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Incident
Lieutenant Ralph Chase was assaulted while making an arrest in a domestic situation at a local club. He was caught from behind, bear-hugged and kneed in the abdomen, which result in a massive pulmonary hemorrhage, from which he died. Despite being assaulted by several suspects, only one person was charged in connection with the incident. The suspect was convicted of simple assault. Lieutenant Chase was a Maine National Guard veteran and had served with the Gardiner Police Department for 10 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Lieutenant Chase gave the Gardiner Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Gardiner community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Ralph Augustus Chase served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Ralph is the only officer of Gardiner Police Department remembered here.
Ralph is one of 37 officers killed feloniously in ME, 43% of the 86 remembered there.
Ralph is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Ralph is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1966, 1 officer in ME was killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 33 years on record. The heaviest was 1873, with 2.
In 1966, 77 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 91st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1966, 81 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 87th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Ralph was 59. Of the 32 killed feloniously in ME whose age is recorded, half were between 34.3 and 49.5; the middle age was 42. Ralph had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Ralph was 59. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Ralph had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Ralph was 59. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Ralph had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 10.8% of these deaths in ME, more than any other month. Saturdays: 24.3%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Gardiner Police Department. The weapon recorded was person, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 43% of all 86 deaths in ME, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 10.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 1.8% of these deaths.
Military Service
Ralph Augustus Chase served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit Ralph Augustus Chase’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 33-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Gardiner Police Department are honored on badge.nw.