"Heroes Live Forever" - the story of Arizona Dept. of Public Safety Officer Douglas E. Knutson

Doug Knutson was struck and killed 28 years ago. His life and death impacted many others, especially his wife, Sharon Knutson Felix, who became the inspirational leader of the 100 Club of Arizona.

Douglas E. Knutson

McLean, VA (February 10, 2026) - On January 2, 1998, Motorcycle Officer Douglas Knutson of the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) was doing what he had always done: working to keep our roadways safe. While standing and waiting for a tow truck to remove an abandoned vehicle, he was struck from behind by a small pickup truck that had veered onto the shoulder. He suffered multiple injuries and died at the Maricopa County Hospital. He was only 43 years old and was the first Arizona DPS motor officer killed in the line of duty. He had served for 12 years. Doug was survived by his wife, Sharon, and their children, Justin and Misty. Fifteen years before Doug’s tragic death, their six-year-old son Ricky was killed by a drunken driver. Amazingly, Sharon’s deep and abiding faith allowed her to overcome her grief from these losses and she went on to become a powerful inspiration to others. For 14 years, she served as the Executive Director of the 100 Club of Arizona, providing financial assistance and other support to the families of public safety officers killed or seriously injured in the line of duty. Listen to the podcast to hear the rest of the story: https://open.substack.com/pub/behindbadge/p/heroes-live-forever-the-story-of-922