Roll of Honor
Incident
Sheriff Clyde Nichols was shot and killed by a subject who was seeking retaliation against the sheriff for having been arrested numerous times over the previous 18 years.
Sheriff Nichols was leaving the Salem United Methodist Church, located at 202 E Market Street, with his family when the man fatally shot him.
The subject was arrested, convicted of Sheriff Nichols' murder, and sentenced to sixty years. He died in prison while serving his sentence.
Sheriff Nichols had served with the Washington County Sheriff's Office for 18 years and had retired 2 1/2 years prior to being assassinated.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IN-BE10AA49- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Clyde. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Nichols gave the Washington County Sheriff's Department 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the Salem community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Nichols.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sheriff Clyde E. Nichols, Jr. is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,756 officers honored here.
In IN, 311 of 504 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.7% of this state's fallen. That is 61.7 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Clyde E. Nichols, Jr.'s cause is highlighted.
How Clyde E. Nichols, Jr. Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Clyde E. Nichols, Jr. is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Clyde E. Nichols, Jr. was killed by handgun; .25 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Washington County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.