Deputy Sheriff Robert William Varner Jr.
Navajo County Sheriff's Department
Arizona

End of Watch: Monday, January 2, 1989
Cause: Gunfire

Biographical Info
Age: 51
Tour of Duty: 26 years
Badge Number: 48

Deputy Robert Varner was shot and killed after stopping a stolen vehicle with stolen tags on I-40.

When the vehicle stopped, the passenger exited the car and opened fire with a sub-machine gun, striking Deputy Varner several times.

The suspects split up and the shooter committed suicide before officers could apprehend him. The driver of the vehicle was apprehended and sentenced to thirteen years.

Deputy Varner had been a member of the Navajo County Sheriff's Department for one year, after retiring from the Arizona Department of Public Safety, with 24 years of service. He is survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.

 
Photograph: Deputy Sheriff Robert William Varner Jr.

Patch image: Navajo County Sheriff's Department, Arizona

Visit Deputy Sheriff Varner's memorial at www.ODMP.org