Ralph Dean

1988

Life Keepsakes Service Also Served In Our Keeping

Ralph Dean served the U.S. Army for 2 years. Ralph served in the Vietnam War and the Cold War.

How He Died

Manner Homicide

Cause Gunshot wound

Mechanism Firearm

What Happened

Officer Ralph Dean was shot and killed after being ambushed while sitting in his patrol car at in the parking lot of the gas station at the intersection of Highway 28 and Oak Street at 2:30 a.m. Another vehicle pulled up to the patrol car, the driver got out and opened fire with a .223 caliber rifle. The suspect fired 23 rounds, striking Officer Dean several times. Officer Dean was able to return fire before succumbing to his wounds. Officer Dean was located several hours later after officers from another agency were sent to locate him when he couldn't be reached by dispatchers. The suspect was apprehended but released after serving only two years. Officer Dean, a U.S. Army veteran, had been with the Mize Police Department for 10 years.

Survivors

He was survived by his wife, two children, parents, brother, and sister.

Keepsakes

Service Record

U.S. Army

1962 – 1964

Conflicts

Vietnam War Cold War

Also Served

Mize Police Department

Officer

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In Our Keeping

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Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw

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Last updated August 2, 2026

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