Roll of Honor
Incident
Night Watchman John Gates was shot and killed by the city marshal who had a long standing grudge with him.
The marshal confronted Watchman Gates in front of a grocery store and an argument ensued. During the course of the argument the marshal shot Watchman Gates with a 16-gauge shotgun.
The marshal then attempted to commit suicide, but survived. He was charged with Watchman Gates' murder and convicted of manslaughter.
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- 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.
Night Watchman Gates gave the Medina City Police Department 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the Medina community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Night Watchman Gates.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Night Watchman John H. Gates 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 OH, 572 of 991 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.7% of this state's fallen. That is 3.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John H. Gates's cause is highlighted.
How John H. Gates Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John H. Gates is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths.