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Incident
Marshal Thomas was shot and killed while questioning a man about a disturbance. He had been called to a local store and found that the suspect was gone. After interviewing witnesses he went to locate the man in order to get his side of the store. He located the man near a train depot and began to question. Upset that he was being accused of creating a disturbance, the man suddenly produced a gun and shot at Marshal Thomas four times, fatally striking him twice. The marshal's son was at the scene and was able to disarm the suspect. As he tended to his father's injuries the suspect escaped, but turned himself in the next day in Gainesville and was indicted on murder charges.
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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.
Marshal Thomas served with the Baldwin Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Baldwin community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Marshal Thomas.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
James is the only officer of Baldwin Police Department remembered here.
James is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.3% of the 1,006 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1921, 8 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1921, 248 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1921, 516 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
Who
James was 47. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36.
James was 47. 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.
James was 47. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
June holds 6.3% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Wednesdays: 11.2%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Baldwin Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.3% of all 1,006 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 19% 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 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 6-W
What is kept
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Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Baldwin Police Department are honored on badge.nw.