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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Tipton was shot and killed by another officer who had been drinking. When Deputy Tipton asked the other officer to surrender his gun he drew the weapon and struck Deputy Tipton with it. Deputy Tipton was able to knock the gun from the other officer but in a struggle the suspect was able to gain control of Deputy Tipton's firearm and shot him. The suspect was acquitted at trial of the crime.
Survivors
Deputy Tipton was survived by his wife and six 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.
Deputy Sheriff Tipton served with the Portales Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Portales community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Tipton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
William is the only officer of Portales Police Department remembered here.
William is one of 123 officers killed feloniously in NM, 63.7% of the 193 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William 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 1907, 2 officers in NM were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 77 years on record. The heaviest was 1898, with 4.
In 1907, 108 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 46th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1907, 109 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 54th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
April holds 12.2% of these deaths in NM; February holds the most, 14.6%. Thursdays: 15.4%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Portales Police Department. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.7% of all 193 deaths in NM, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 4.9% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 32-W
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