Indiana Department of Conservation, Indiana
End of Watch Sunday, January 1, 1961
Add to My HeroesJames Dallas Pitzer
Conservation Officer James Pitzer was shot and killed while investigating two men who were illegally hunting rabbits in Jay County.
One of the men was a recent parolee, 53, who served 31 years for murder, and feared he would be sent back to prison, shot and killed Conservation Officer Pitzer, who died instantly from a single shotgun blast which struck him in the head. There was no indication of a robbery, but Conservation Officer Pitzer's .38-caliber service revolver had been ripped from its holster and was not found at the scene. Officer Pitzer had written the men's names on his notepad which led to the arrest of the suspect and his 18-year-old companion the next day.
The killer, in 1926 when 18, was convicted of killing his employer and sentenced to life. A few years later he escaped from Indiana State Prison and eluded police for five years before being captured in Covington, Kentucky. He was pardoned by Governor Harold W. Handley in 1957. On February 13, 1961, he was convicted of Officer Pitzer's murder and sentenced to life. He died of a heart attack in prison on October 16, 1972.
Conservation Officer Pitzer had served with the Indiana Department of Conservation for 20 years, and was the first conservation officer killed in the line of duty. He is survived by his wife and two children.
The Indiana Division of Natural Resources - Division of Law Enforcement's highest commendation award is named the Pitzer Award in honor Officer Pitzer and is awarded annually.
Bio
- Age 54
- Tour 20 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Shotgun
- Offender Died in prison
Most Recent Reflection
View all 20 ReflectionsJames Dallas Pitzer was my paternal grandfather. I think about him often but especially every January 1st I reflect on his life and the events that took place. He was killed 6 weeks before I was born and I have often felt a loss at not having known him or having a grandpa to talk to and share things with. While I never met him, I grew up surrounded by stories, pictures and a few family home movies. I know he was a man who loved his family, friends, this country, animals in general and preserving wildlife. My grandmother always cried when talking about him and mourned him the rest of her life. The impact of his sudden and tragic death can only be understood by others who have experienced a similar loss.
I am grateful to those who have shared stories, created and maintain this web page and to others who continue to serve as Conservation Officers. I hope you find fulfillment in your work and that God will watch over and protect you.
Kristi Pitzer Kielman
29 March 2025
Kristi Pitzer Kielman
Granddaughter
March 29, 2025
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