Incident
Reserve Deputy John Jamison was shot and killed while responding to check on a deputy who dispatchers could not make radio contact with. The deputy had discovered a couple camping in a forest east of flagstaff and requested dispatchers to check on the status of the pickup truck at the scene. As the male subject came out of his tent he heard the dispatcher on the deputy's radio that the truck was stolen. The male subject immediately produced a handgun and disarmed the deputy. The suspect put the deputy on his knees and was preparing to shoot him when the deputy took out a picture of his wife and baby and pleaded for his life. The suspect decided not to kill the deputy and handcuffed him to a nearby tree. The couple then fled in the pickup truck. Reserve Deputy Jamison was sent to check on the deputy after dispatchers were unable to reach him via radio. As Deputy Jamison drove up the mountain road he encountered the suspects driving down. He radioed dispatch and to ask if the suspects were driving a black truck. As he began to turn around the suspect stopped the truck and opened fire on the patrol car with a M-16 rifle. The suspect pinned down Deputy Jamison as he approached the car, continually firing. He walked up to the driver's side and shot Deputy Jamison three times. The suspect fired a total of 27 rounds into the patrol car. The suspects fled but were eventually arrested by Flagstaff police officers and Coconino County deputies. He was sentenced to death and executed in 2000. The female suspect was sentenced to 21 years in prison, but released after serving only 14 years.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Reserve Deputy Jamison served with the Coconino County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Flagstaff community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Reserve Deputy Jamison.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Coconino County Sheriff's Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 204 officers killed feloniously in AZ, 61.8% of the 330 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1982, 4 officers in AZ were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 6.
In 1982, 122 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1982, 142 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 41. Of the 186 killed feloniously in AZ whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 47; the middle age was 39.
John was 41. 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.
John was 41. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
September holds 9.8% of these deaths in AZ; May holds the most, 13.2%. Mondays: 15.7%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Coconino County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.8% of all 330 deaths in AZ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 7.4% 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.
His people
Coconino County Sheriff's Department has 3 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 7-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Coconino County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
