Sergeant Julian Narvaez, Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department, New Mexico

Sergeant Julian Narvaez

Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department, New Mexico

End of Watch Wednesday, March 26, 1969

Julian Narvaez

Sergeant Julian Narvaez was shot and killed during a felony stop on a vehicle occupied by four suspects. While talking with one of the suspects a struggle ensued and the man produced a handgun. The suspect dropped his gun but was able to gain control of Sergeant Narvaez's weapon and shoot him. The man was arrested but his first trial ended in a hung jury. After the trial the man fled to Mexico and was never recaptured.

Sergeant Narvaez had served with the agency for 8 years. He was survived by his expectant expectant wife, son, and four daughters.

Bio

Age 31
Tour 8 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender At large

Most Recent Reflection

View all 9 Reflections

I was a very young man when I became (while a student at the University of New Mexico) about 1968, a Reserve Deputy Sheriff in Bernalillo County.

Sgt. Narvaez took me under his wing, and taught me how to police in the south valley of Albuquerque, alone, at night, and survive.

His death, just crushed me. He was a MAN!

I went on to serve in various capacities, for more than thirty years, retiring as Undersheriff, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, after managing the most publicized and misreported case of my career (Columbine High School murders).

Sgt. Narvaez has remained in my thoughts, and always will.

Men and women, who pin on badges, and belt on pistols, made this nation. Simple as that. We have never been perfect, but when you called for help, we came...

God rest your soul, Julian!

John A. Dunaway, Undersheriff (Ret)
Jefferson County, Colorado

March 6, 2016