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Joe M. Thomason Sr.
Incident
Chief of Police Joe Thomason was shot and killed while making a traffic stop of a drunk and reckless driver on US Highway 78, two miles from Potts Camp, at 3:30 pm. The subject plead guilty to capital murder and was sentenced to life without parole. Chief Thomason was a United States Navy Vietnam veteran who had served with the Potts Camp Police Department for one year and previously served with the Verona Police Department and Fulton Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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.
Chief of Police Thomason gave the Potts Camp Police Department 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the Potts Camp 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
Joe M. Thomason Sr. served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Joe is the only officer of Potts Camp Police Department remembered here.
Joe is one of 243 officers killed feloniously in MS, 69.4% of the 350 remembered there.
Joe is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Joe 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 1993, 2 officers in MS were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1981, with 6.
In 1993, 101 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 51st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1993, 110 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 53rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Joe was 43. Of the 222 killed feloniously in MS whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 53; the middle age was 41. Joe had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
Joe was 43. 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. Joe had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Joe was 43. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Joe had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 10.3% of these deaths in MS; December holds the most, 12.3%. Saturdays: 18.1%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Potts Camp Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.4% of all 350 deaths in MS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 16% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where
Military Service
Joe M. Thomason Sr. served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit Joe M. Thomason Sr.’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 55-W
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
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