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Incident
Patrolman Ralph Ghivizzani was shot and killed while attempting to serve a warrant at 11 Chamberlin Avenue for the theft of a firearm. The man was also awaiting trial for spousal rape when his son went to the police station and informed the desk officer that his father was at home waiting for his mother to return with the intent to kill her. Patrolman Ghivizzani, along with an Elizabeth City County Police Department officer and a military police officer from Fort Monroe went to the home to arrest the man. As Patrolman Ghivizzani told the man he had a warrant the subject pulled a gun from under the table and shot him in the head, killing him instantly. The man wounded the military policeman and a Phoebus firefighter before barricading himself in his home. He committed suicide several hours later. Patrolman Ghivizzani had served with the Phoebus Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, mother, and three brothers.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Ghivizzani gave the Phoebus Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Hampton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Ghivizzani.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Ralph is the only officer of Phoebus Police Department remembered here.
Ralph is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
Ralph is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Ralph is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1943, 5 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1943, 66 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1943, 86 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 79th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Ralph was 26. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. Ralph had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Ralph was 26. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Ralph had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Ralph was 26. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Ralph had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 8.7% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Saturdays: 16%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Phoebus Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 25.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 21-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Phoebus Police Department are honored on badge.nw.