Incident
Patrolman Wilson Fugate suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after struggling with a man he was attempting to arrest in the city's restricted district.
Patrolman Fugate was on foot patrol when he encountered a man who was drunk. As he attempted to arrest him a struggle ensued in which Patrolman Fugate suffered a wound to his head. Despite the injury he was able to subdue the man and called for assistance.
A patrol captain arrived at the scene to take the man to the police station. As they tried to put him in the car the man again struggled before being subdued a second time.
Patrolman Fugate collapsed several minutes later as they walked the man into the police station. The subject was charged with manslaughter in connection with Patrolman Fugate's death.
Patrolman Fugate had served with the Reno Police Department for 17 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Patrolman Fugate gave the Reno Police Department 17 years.
Thank you for your service to the Reno community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Fugate.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Reno Police Department has lost 12 officers; 1 of them lost to cardiac events.
Wilson is one of 9 officers lost to cardiac events in NV, 6.2% of the 146 remembered there.
Wilson is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Wilson is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.9% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1929, 1 officer in NV was lost to cardiac events, more than in any other year.
In 1929, 6 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 86th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1929, 6 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 86th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
Wilson was 58. Of the 9 lost to cardiac events in NV whose age is recorded, half were between 45 and 58; the middle age was 51. Wilson had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 3.2 years.
Wilson was 58. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. Wilson had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
Wilson was 58. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. Wilson had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
July holds 33.3% of these deaths in NV, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 22.2%.
July holds 7.2% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Tuesdays: 13.9%.
July holds 7.2% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Tuesdays: 13.9%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 8.3% of all 12 deaths at Reno Police Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 6.2% of all 146 deaths in NV, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.9% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
His people
Reno Police Department has 12 officers remembered here, Wilson among them.
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Harry P. Brown
Sep 26, 1905
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Charles A. Browne
Nov 10, 1907
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Wilson Fugate Jul 2, 1929
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Ross Peterson Sep 11, 1931
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LeRoy Joseph Geach
Nov 8, 1947
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Allen A. Glass
Nov 8, 1947
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Michael J. Mills
Jan 18, 1969
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James Duane Hoff
Jun 25, 1979
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Glenn William Turner
Dec 29, 1979
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Keith Tadashi Hashimoto
Mar 29, 1996
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John C. Bohach
Aug 22, 2001
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Michael Robert Scofield
Sep 26, 2002
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 15-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
11 officers from Reno Police Department are honored on badge.nw.









