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Incident
Undersheriff Whitsel was shot and killed while he and the sheriff searched for a suicidal man. The two officers were on horseback and riding a remote trail in Blind Bridger Canyon when they were ambushed by the man with a rifle. Both men were struck and Undersheriff Whitsel was mortally wounded. Although wounded, the sheriff was able to go for help. The body of the suspect was found a short time later suffering from a self inflicted gunshot wound.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Undersheriff Whitsel served with the Sweet Grass County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Big Timber community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Undersheriff Whitsel.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Sweet Grass County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
H. is one of 93 officers killed feloniously in MT, 65.5% of the 142 remembered there.
H. is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
H. is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1932, 1 officer in MT was killed feloniously, the 25th heaviest of 58 years on record. The heaviest was 1935, with 6.
In 1932, 210 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1932, 210 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
August holds 8.6% of these deaths in MT; December holds the most, 15.1%. Wednesdays: 15.1%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Sweet Grass County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 65.5% of all 142 deaths in MT, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 14% 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 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Sweet Grass County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, H. among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 27-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Sweet Grass County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
