John C. Phillips

Officer John C. Phillips was shot after he stopped to contact an apparent burglar near 16th and Boulder. Officer Phillips returned fire and then reported the incident via a call box at 15th and Platte. He
died a short time later. Officer Phillips became the first
Denver Police Officer killed in the line of duty. (Rocky
Mountain News, June 12, 1892).

Memorial Sign located at: Near 16th and Boulder Streets

Special thank you to Chris Christopherson, Larry Amman, and Bill Finch for their help in researching names, dates, and stories for the Denver Police Museum’s Fallen Officer Project.

Make a Gift in Honor of a Fallen Officer.

Help the Denver Police Museum honor and remember fallen law enforcement heroes. The Museum celebrates and honors the lives of fallen Denver law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. Through our ongoing Memorial Services, including placement of memorial signs at the locations where the officers lost their lives, wreath laying at gravesites, supporting the families of Fallen Officers, and telling the stories of their sacrifice, the Museum works to commemorate their courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to preserving our safety and, ultimately, our way of life.