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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Charles Gates was shot and killed while assisting the Pella Police Department in responding to a domestic disturbance call of a man making threats in a neighborhood. As officers arrived and approached the house the man opened fire with a rifle, striking Deputy Gates' vehicle three times and then striking Deputy Gates in the hip. The suspect attempted to commit suicide by shooting himself in the head as he was shot and killed by return fire from other officers. Deputy Gates was transported to Pella Hospital and then Methodist Hospital in Des Moines where he succumbed to his wounds the next day. Deputy Gates had served with the agency for eight years and had previously served with the Pella Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
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- 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 Gates gave the Marion County Sheriff's Department 13 years.
Thank you for your service to the Knoxville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Gates.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Charles is the only officer of Marion County Sheriff's Department remembered here.
Charles is one of 129 officers killed feloniously in IA, 57.1% of the 226 remembered there.
Charles is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charles 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 1967, 2 officers in IA were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 76 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 5.
In 1967, 105 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 48th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1967, 107 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 56th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Charles was 54. Of the 115 killed feloniously in IA whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 51; the middle age was 41. Charles had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Charles was 54. 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. Charles had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 54. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 8.5% of these deaths in IA; July holds the most, 16.3%. Wednesdays: 20.9%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Marion County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 226 deaths in IA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 4.7% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 30-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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