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Incident
Deputy Peter Feiler succumbed to a gunshot wound suffered 10 days earlier when he was shot while investigating reports of an armed man at a polling place at 15th and Ash streets. As Deputy Feiler approached the man, the suspect fired his pistol without removing it from his coat pocket, striking Deputy Feiler in the abdomen. Deputy Feiler struggled with the suspect and was able to take him into custody. The suspect, who became the elected sheriff, was later found to have shot Deputy Feiler in self-defense and the charges were dismissed. Deputy Feiler had served with the Vigo County Sheriff's Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two daughters and two sons.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Feiler gave the Vigo County Sheriff's Office 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Terre Haute community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Feiler.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Vigo County Sheriff's Office has lost 6 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Peter is one of 310 officers killed feloniously in IN, 61.6% of the 503 remembered there.
Peter is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Peter 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 1914, 4 officers in IN were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 122 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 9.
In 1914, 127 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1914, 127 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 45th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Peter was 31. Of the 299 killed feloniously in IN whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. Peter had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Peter was 31. 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. Peter had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Peter was 31. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Peter had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 7.4% of these deaths in IN; January holds the most, 11%. Fridays: 11%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 6 deaths at Vigo County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 75% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.6% of all 503 deaths in IN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 26.8% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Vigo County Sheriff's Office has 6 officers remembered here, Peter among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 38-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Vigo County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
