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Incident
Town Marshal Hyram Peterson was shot and killed by a theft suspect while on duty. He observed two men attempting to steal a bicycle, and he gave chase on his own bicycle. He was shot by the two men when he caught them at the edge of town. Both men were eventually apprehended. Marshal Peterson had been the town marshal for five years. He was survived by his wife and children. He is buried in the City of Mesa Cemetery, Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and children.
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.
Town Marshal Peterson gave the Mesa Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Mesa community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Town Marshal Peterson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Mesa Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Hyram is one of 204 officers killed feloniously in AZ, 61.8% of the 330 remembered there.
Hyram is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Hyram is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1913, 5 officers in AZ were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 6.
In 1913, 133 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1913, 136 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 38th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Hyram was 53. Of the 186 killed feloniously in AZ whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 47; the middle age was 39. Hyram had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Hyram was 53. 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. Hyram had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Hyram was 53. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Hyram had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 5.9% of these deaths in AZ; May holds the most, 13.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Mesa Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.8% of all 330 deaths in AZ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 28.9% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Mesa Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Hyram 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
1 officer from Mesa Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
