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Incident
Officer Baxter and Lieutenant Thomas Kling were shot and killed after responding to a shots fired call at a local store. The store owner had long terrorized his neighbors and police and had setup an ambush for the officers. When Officer Baxter and Lieutenant Kling entered the store they were shot and killed. The suspect was convicted of manslaughter in the deaths of both officers and sentenced to 4 years in prison.
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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.
Police Officer Baxter served with the Rawlins Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Rawlins community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Baxter.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Rawlins Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 41 officers killed feloniously in WY, 65.1% of the 63 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1903, 5 officers in WY were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1903, 103 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1903, 106 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 57th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
April holds 12.2% of these deaths in WY; March holds the most, 14.6%. Mondays: 19.5%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Rawlins Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 65.1% of all 63 deaths in WY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 12.2% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Rawlins Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 4-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Rawlins Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
