Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Thompson was shot and killed while he and his partner investigated a burglary at a local restaurant. He was shot in the eye and abdomen by the restaurant owner as he walked into the establishment. The owner claimed that he shot in self defense.
The suspect was convicted of Patrolman Thompson's murder and sentenced to life in prison on April 11, 1926. He was paroled May 28, 1943.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-WI-94EF39A3- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Palmer. 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.
Patrolman Thompson served with the Madison Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Madison 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 Palmer Thompson 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 97,772 officers honored here.
In WI, 159 of 317 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50.2% of this state's fallen. That is 50.2 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Madison Police Department, 4 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Palmer Thompson's cause is highlighted.
How Palmer Thompson Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Palmer Thompson is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Palmer Thompson was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Madison Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
