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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Walter Akers was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a drunk man at the Parker train depot. The man had not been allowed to board the train because he was drunk. The man left the depot, returned with a shotgun, and threatened the conductor, who then called the police. Deputy Akers and the Parker marshal responded to the scene. The subject shot and killed Deputy Akers as he attempted to talk the man into putting the shotgun down. The man was convicted of first-degree murder, sentenced to life imprisonment, and died in prison.
Survivors
Deputy Akers was survived by his wife and son.
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.
Deputy Sheriff Akers gave the Yuma County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Yuma community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Akers.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Yuma County Sheriff's Office has lost 6 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Walter is one of 204 officers killed feloniously in AZ, 61.8% of the 330 remembered there.
Walter is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Walter 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 1948, 2 officers at Yuma County Sheriff's Office were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1948, 3 officers in AZ were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 6.
In 1948, 80 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 84th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1948, 81 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 87th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Walter was 37. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Yuma County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 37; the middle age was 35. Walter had served 3.1 years; the middle length of service was 3 years.
Walter 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. Walter had served 3.1 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Walter was 37. 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. Walter had served 3.1 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Walter was 37. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Walter had served 3.1 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 20% of these deaths at Yuma County Sheriff's Office; January holds the most, 40%. Wednesdays: 60%.
February holds 8.3% of these deaths in AZ; May holds the most, 13.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 83.3% of all 6 deaths at Yuma County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 20% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.8% of all 330 deaths in AZ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 2% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Yuma County Sheriff's Office has 6 officers remembered here, Walter among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 10-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Yuma County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
