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Incident
Cattle Inspector Joseph Dillman was shot and killed with his own .38 Colt revolver near Safford, Arizona, at approximately 4:00 am by unknown assailants. His body was found in the backseat of his car with a single bullet wound to the head. A coroner's jury determined that he was murdered by person(s) unknown. No suspects were ever identified in his murder.
Inspector Dillman had served with the Arizona Livestock Sanitary Board for two years and had previously served with the United States Border Patrol for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three 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.
Cattle Inspector Dillman gave the Arizona Livestock Sanitary Board 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the Phoenix community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Cattle Inspector Dillman.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Arizona Livestock Sanitary Board has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Joseph is one of 204 officers killed feloniously in AZ, 61.8% of the 330 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Joseph 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 1932, 2 officers in AZ were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, 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.
Who
Joseph was 37. Of the 186 killed feloniously in AZ whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 47; the middle age was 39. Joseph had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Joseph was 37. 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. Joseph had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Joseph was 37. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Joseph had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 13.2% of these deaths in AZ, more than any other month. Saturdays: 14.2%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Arizona Livestock Sanitary Board, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, 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 officer's handgun, in 6.9% 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.
His people
Arizona Livestock Sanitary Board has 2 officers remembered here, Joseph among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 31-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Arizona Livestock Sanitary Board are honored on badge.nw.