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Incident
Sergeant Walter Artz was shot and killed after responding to a domestic disturbance. As officers attempted to calm the man down at the back door of the home the man suddenly began firing, fatally wounding Sergeant Artz. Officers returned fire and wounded the man, who then committed suicide. Sergeant Artz had served with the Vigo County Sheriff's Department for 11 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two daughters.
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.
Sergeant Artz gave the Vigo County Sheriff's Office 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Terre Haute community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Artz.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Vigo County Sheriff's Office has lost 6 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Walter is one of 310 officers killed feloniously in IN, 61.6% of the 503 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 1987, 2 officers in IN were killed feloniously, the 49th heaviest of 122 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 9.
In 1987, 97 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1987, 117 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Walter was 32. Of the 299 killed feloniously in IN whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. Walter had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Walter was 32. 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 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Walter was 32. 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 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 8.1% of these deaths in IN; January holds the most, 11%. Wednesdays: 13.5%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 6 deaths at Vigo County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.6% of all 503 deaths in IN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.9% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Vigo County Sheriff's Office has 6 officers remembered here, Walter among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 37-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Vigo County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
