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Incident
Chief of Police Ralph Thomas succumbed to injuries sustained nine days earlier when his patrol car was struck head-on by another vehicle on Highway 71, between Milford and Okoboji.
He was returning to Okoboji when another vehicle crossed the center line and struck his patrol car head-on. He was transported to Dickinson County Memorial Hospital where he remained until succumbing to his injuries.
Chief Thomas had served as the chief of police and city clerk for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Chief of Police Thomas gave the Okoboji Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Okobjoi community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Thomas.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Ralph is the only officer of Okoboji Police Department remembered here.
Ralph is one of 71 officers lost to accidents in IA, 31.4% of the 226 remembered there.
Ralph is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Ralph is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1968, 2 officers in IA were lost to accidents, the 5th heaviest of 50 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 3.
In 1968, 100 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 6th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1968, 117 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 5th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Ralph was 63. Of the 69 lost to accidents in IA whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 48; the middle age was 38. Ralph had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Ralph was 63. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Ralph had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Ralph was 63. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Ralph had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 11.3% of these deaths in IA; June holds the most, 16.9%. Mondays: 9.9%.
October holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.4%.
October holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 13.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Okoboji Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 31.4% of all 226 deaths in IA, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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