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Incident
Sheriff James Dana was shot with a glass-tipped arrow while riding with a posse in search of a man who murdered a woman in Arizona City. The posse had gone into a river bottom to arrest the man and became engaged in a battle with local Indians. Sheriff Dana died two days after being struck by the arrow. The killer was arrested and sentenced to 25 years in prison. He later escaped and was never recaptured. Sheriff Dana had served with the Yuma County Sheriff's Office for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and son and is buried in Yuma Pioneer Cemetery.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
155 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Sheriff Dana gave the Yuma County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Yuma community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Yuma County Sheriff's Office has lost 6 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 204 officers killed feloniously in AZ, 61.8% of the 330 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1871, 1 officer at Yuma County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 4 years on record. The heaviest was 1948, with 2.
In 1871, 1 officer in AZ was killed feloniously, the 57th heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 6.
In 1871, 33 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 152nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1871, 35 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 152nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 34. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Yuma County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 37; the middle age was 35. James had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 3 years.
James was 34. Of the 186 killed feloniously in AZ whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 47; the middle age was 39. James had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
James was 34. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 34. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 20% of these deaths at Yuma County Sheriff's Office; January holds the most, 40%. Wednesdays: 60%.
September holds 9.8% of these deaths in AZ; May holds the most, 13.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 83.3% of all 6 deaths at Yuma County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 20% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.8% of all 330 deaths in AZ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 3.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 2.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 2% of these deaths.
His people
Yuma County Sheriff's Office has 6 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 61-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Yuma County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
