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Incident
Deputy John McClain was shot and killed while serving court papers.
Deputy McClain went to a residence to serve a writ of restitution to the occupant who refused to vacate the premises. When he arrived, one of the occupants drew a handgun. Deputy McClain ordered the suspect to drop his weapon. The man refused and fatally shot Deputy McClain in the head.
Deputy McClain had served with the Colusa County Sheriff's Department for 10 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four 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
156 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy McClain gave the Colusa County Sheriff's Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Colusa community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Colusa County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
John is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1870, 2 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 128th heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 1870, 31 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 155th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1870, 31 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 157th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 38. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35. John had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 38. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 38. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 7.6% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 16.4%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Colusa County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Colusa County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 52-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Colusa County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
