Prev
Incident
Sergeant Fitzgerald was killed in an automobile accident while responding to a call involving a suspicious vehicle at approximately 0100 hours.
His patrol car was struck head-on by another vehicle on an unlined county road about three miles from Dumas. The driver of the vehicle that struck his patrol car, who was also killed, was the same person who had made the report of the suspicious vehicle.
Sergeant Fitzgerald was flown to Northwest Texas Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later.
Sergeant Fitzgerald had been with the Moore County Sheriff's Office for 14 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his mother, brother, and sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpzcmfj5sb4hrn3z7014- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Michael. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sergeant Fitzgerald gave the Moore County Sheriff's Office 14 years.
Thank you for your service to the Dumas community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Fitzgerald.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Moore County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Michael is one of 657 officers lost to accidents in TX, 27.1% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Michael is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Michael is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2003, 7 officers in TX were lost to accidents, the 25th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1994, with 14.
In 2003, 80 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 27th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2003, 94 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 29th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Michael was 47. Of the 626 lost to accidents in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 46; the middle age was 36. Michael had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Michael was 47. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Michael had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Michael was 47. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Michael had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 7.5% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 11.7%. Tuesdays: 13.5%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
July holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Moore County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 27.1% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Moore County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, Michael among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 44-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Moore County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
