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Incident
Chief of Police John Bockman was shot and killed while questioning a shooting suspect next to a railroad line. A railroad worker had asked the suspect and another man to leave but was shot at by the pair. When Chief Bockman arrived on the scene he ordered the man to raise his hands but was met with gunfire. Chief Bockman was able to return fire, mortally wounding the suspect before being shot in the face. The suspect received a shoulder wound and died in jail two days later. Chief Bockman was a WWI veteran and was the city's only police officer at the time.
Survivors
He had served with the Libby Police Department for three years and was survived by wife, two sons, and parents.
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.
Chief of Police Bockman gave the Libby Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Libby 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
John Ferdinand Bockman served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
John is the only officer of Libby Police Department remembered here.
John is one of 93 officers killed feloniously in MT, 65.5% of the 142 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
John 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 1924, 2 officers in MT were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 58 years on record. The heaviest was 1935, with 6.
In 1924, 225 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1924, 228 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 32. Of the 81 killed feloniously in MT whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 47; the middle age was 39. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
John was 32. 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. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 32. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 11.8% of these deaths in MT; December holds the most, 15.1%. Mondays: 9.7%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Libby Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 65.5% of all 142 deaths in MT, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 35.5% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
Where
Military Service
John Ferdinand Bockman served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit John Ferdinand Bockman’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 48-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Libby Police Department are honored on badge.nw.