Deputy Sheriff Delbert L. Berry, Apache County Sheriff's Office, Arizona

Deputy Sheriff Delbert L. Berry

Apache County Sheriff's Office, Arizona

End of Watch Sunday, September 2, 1973

Delbert L. Berry

Deputy Berry was shot and killed on the Navajo Reservation while transporting a prisoner to jail. He had responded to the reservation to investigate a burglary of two cases of beer from a off-reservation bar.

As he transported one of the prisoners back to the jail he came across a van parked at a trading post. As he pulled up to the trading post to investigate eight members of the American Indian Movement exited the van and opened fire on his patrol car, killing him.

The suspects freed Deputy Berry's prisoner, stole his duty weapons and patrol car, and fled the scene. The suspects were all arrested within a few days. Five of the suspects were sentenced to jail for terms ranging from 5 to 10 years.

Deputy Berry had only served with the agency for two weeks and had previously served with the McKinley County, New Mexico, Sheriff's Office for 5 years. He was survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

Age 32
Tour 5 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Apprehended

Most Recent Reflection

View all 8 Reflections

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 40th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

April 28, 2013