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Incident
Warden John Rheinbold was shot and killed in Rockland County, New York, after tracking a pair of poachers who were illegally shooting songbirds. One of the suspects shot Warden Rheinbold with a shotgun, killing him. The suspected shooter was eventually identified, but had already fled to Italy. Despite requests from President Woodrow Wilson, Italian authorities refused to extradite the suspect because they believed he would be sentenced to death. He was never returned to New Jersey to face the murder charges. Warden Rheinbold had served with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his fiancée, whom he was going to marry the same week he was killed.
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.
Warden Rheinbold gave the New Jersey Divison of Fish and Wildlife 2 years.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Warden Rheinbold.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
New Jersey Divison of Fish and Wildlife has lost 8 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 264 officers killed feloniously in NJ, 40.8% of the 647 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 1913, 2 officers in NJ were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 101 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 39.
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
John was 30. Of the 247 killed feloniously in NJ whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
John was 30. 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 had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 30. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 8.3% of these deaths in NJ; September holds the most, 23.9%. Thursdays: 13.3%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 25% of all 8 deaths at New Jersey Divison of Fish and Wildlife, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 40.8% of all 647 deaths in NJ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.8% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
New Jersey Divison of Fish and Wildlife has 8 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 60-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from New Jersey Divison of Fish and Wildlife are honored on badge.nw.
