Deputy Marshal Herman William Nofs, Youngtown Police Department, Arizona

Deputy Marshal Herman William Nofs

Youngtown Police Department, Arizona

End of Watch Wednesday, August 4, 1965

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Herman William Nofs

Marshal Herman Nofs was shot and killed by two burglary suspects at a gas station at 111th Avenue and Grand Avenue in Youngtown.

Marshal Herman Nofs was on patrol when he noticed broken glass at a gas station. When he approached the two suspects, ages seventeen and nineteen, with his weapon drawn, the 19-year-old slugged him and knocked his gun to the ground. The other suspect took the gun and shot him with his own gun.

Both suspects were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life on February 9, 1966. The Arizona Supreme Court overturned the 17-year-old suspect's conviction and ordered a new trial. On July 29, 1968, he was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to 5 to 10 years in prison.

Marshal Nofs was a United States Army World War I veteran who served with the Illinois State Police for 31 years and was Youngtown's first Marshal. He had retired and would work one or two days a week as a deputy marshal. He was survived by his wife.

Bio

Age 71
Tour 35 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Sentenced to life

burglary, juvenile offender

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Marshal Nofs,
On today, the 60th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army along the U.S./Mexican border in 1916-17 and in Europe fighting the Germans during World War I. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

August 4, 2025