Chief of Police Dennis Titla, Sr., San Carlos Apache Tribal Police Department, Tribal Police

Chief of Police Dennis Titla, Sr.

San Carlos Apache Tribal Police Department, Tribal Police

End of Watch Tuesday, April 12, 1960

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Dennis Titla, Sr.

Chief of Police Dennis Titla was shot and killed while attempting to arrest three brothers for being drunk in public on a dirt road one mile west of San Carlos.

He and another officer had handcuffed one of the men when the other two attacked them. During the struggle on the men gain control of Chief Titla's service weapon and shot him three times.

The other officer was able to subdue the other two brothers and transported all three to the jail. They were convicted of Chief Titla's murder.

Chief Titla had only served as the chief of police for one month. He was survived by his wife, three sons, parents, brother, and sister.

Bio

Age 30
Tour 1 month
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Location Arizona
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Convicted

DIP

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The San Carlos Apache Police Department has a special memorial service every year to memorialize Chief Titla and all fallen officers. As a son, they ask me to speak each year and I tell them of my father and the impact of his death. He is always remembered and honored.
Son,

Steve Titla
Son

August 21, 2024