Reserve Deputy John B. Jamison, 41, was killed on September 6, 1982, while responding to a radio check in the forest east of Flagstaff. He went to assist another deputy who had lost contact while investigating a suspicious pickup. That deputy had been disarmed and taken hostage by a man who had learned the truck was stolen.

As Jamison approached the scene his patrol car was ambushed. A male suspect armed with an M-16 opened fire, striking Jamison three times and firing 27 rounds in total as he advanced on the vehicle. The shooter and a female companion fled the scene but were later taken into custody by Flagstaff police and Coconino County deputies. The first deputy at the stop reportedly pleaded for his life, showing the gunman a photograph of his wife and baby.

The killing deeply affected the local law enforcement community and residents who knew Jamison as a dedicated public servant. If anyone has information about that night or remembered the deputies involved, please come forward.