Union Pacific Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police
End of Watch Wednesday, April 6, 1977
Add to My HeroesDean L. McLaughlin
Chief Special Agent Dean McLaughlin was shot and killed by a subordinate officer in Denver, Colorado.
The officer held a grudge against Chief Special Agent McLaughlin over a wage dispute. The officer ambushed him in the parking lot outside of the Union Pacific Building and shot opened fire with a shotgun as Chief Special Agent McLaughlin sat in his car.
The man was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Chief Special Agent McLaughlin had been with the Union Pacific Railroad Police for 36 years. He was survived by his wife and three children.
He had just been elected as president of the Colorado Law Enforcement Officers' Association prior to his murder.
Bio
- Age 62
- Tour 36 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Location Colorado
- Weapon Shotgun; 12 gauge
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 9 ReflectionsYour heroism and service is honored today, the 35th anniversary of your death. 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.
I pray for the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today.
Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
April 7, 2012
Recent LODD Deaths
Corporal Timothy J. O'Connor, Jr.
Pennsylvania State Police, PA
EOW: March 8, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Kaleb Mitchell
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: March 7, 2026
Sergeant Kathleen M. Radziunas
Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department, NY
EOW: April 30, 2025
Master Trooper Steven J. Perry
North Carolina Highway Patrol, NC
EOW: March 1, 2026
Conservation Enforcement Officer Senior Shawn Nixon
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, AL
EOW: November 23, 2025
Corporal David M. Hathcock
Montgomery Police Department, AL
EOW: February 22, 2026
Correctional Officer Dustin Pedigo
Tennessee Department of Correction, TN
EOW: February 25, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Michael Hislope
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: February 24, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Gabriel Ramirez
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: February 23, 2026