Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Delbert Thompson was shot and killed while investigating a stolen automobile. Patrolman Thompson had stopped the vehicle when one of its occupants, who at the time was wanted for five bank robberies, shot and killed him. The vehicle and its occupants fled the scene, but were spotted and stopped by Patrolman Farkas and his partner. As the officers were exiting their vehicle, the suspect opened fire killing Patrolman Farkas and wounding his partner. Patrolman Farkas' partner was able to return fire and killed the suspect. Patrolman Thompson had served with the South Bend Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two daughters and son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IN-8DC96B6D- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Thompson gave the South Bend Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the South Bend community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Thompson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Delbert Thompson is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In IN, 311 of 503 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.8% of this state's fallen. That is 7.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At South Bend Police Dept., 11 of 15 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 73.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Delbert Thompson's cause is highlighted.
How Delbert Thompson Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Delbert Thompson is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Delbert Thompson was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
14 officers from South Bend Police Dept. are honored on badge.nw.
