Roll of Honor
Incident
Marshal J.W. Thompson was fatally wounded as he attempted to break up a fight between two men.
The previous Saturday, the two men had gotten into a quarrel over a business matter and exchanged words. Friends of the two men had kept the fight from escalating that night, but the following Monday, the two met up in the street. One of the men produced a pistol that both began struggling over. Upon seeing this, Marshal Thompson rushed over and attempted to take the pistol and separate the two. However, the gun discharged. The bullet passed through one man's side and struck Marshal Thompson in the chest, killing him instantly.
Both men were very wealthy prominent citizens. Information, witnesses, possible facts and fiction about the shooting quietly went away. No charges, no investigation, no arrest.
Marshal Thompson was survived by his wife and a large family.
Survivors
Marshal Thompson was survived by his wife and a large family.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-AL-A891CA04- 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
132 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Marshal Thompson served with the York Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Marshal J. W. 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 AL, 405 of 643 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63% of this state's fallen. That is 8.8 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At York Police Dept., 1 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. J. W. Thompson's cause is highlighted.
How J. W. Thompson Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. J. W. Thompson is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. J. W. Thompson was killed by handgun; pistol.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from York Police Dept. are honored on badge.nw.
