Lieutenant Roger G. Sanders

Lieutenant Roger G. Sanders

Washington State Department of Corrections, Washington

End of Watch Friday, September 1, 1978

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Roger G. Sanders

Lieutenant Roger Sanders succumbed to injuries sustained on August 11th, 1978, when a pipebomb exploded in Washington State Penitentiary's Department of Education building in Walla Walla.

Officers found the pipe bomb during a routine shakedown and moved it to a control room. It detonated as Lieutenant Sanders attempted to open one of the end caps. Lieutenant Sanders lost both hands and suffered serious injuries to his stomach. Two other officers were also injured. Lieutenant Sanders was transported to a local hospital where he died on September 1st, 1978.

The bomb had been made and placed at the location by prisoners. Two inmates, a rapist and a murderer, escaped after the explosion but officials did not think they were related to it. No one was ever held responsible.

Bio

  • Age 40
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Bomb
  • Incident Date Friday, August 11, 1978
  • Weapon Explosives; Bomb
  • Offender At large

bomb

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Rest in peace knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your fellow law enforcement.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 1, 2020

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