Roll of Honor
Incident
Town Marshal Ralph Gibons was shot and killed as he and the Wasco County sheriff attempted to arrest a man for complicity in the robbery of a bank in Washougal, Washington. The officers arrested both men as they got off a train at the train station. As they began walking them to jail along 2nd Street one of the men pulled out a handgun and shot Marshal Gibons in the chest. A posse arrested both subjects a short time later. Three weeks later one was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. The other was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 15 years.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OR-88B5D48E- Stewardship
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- 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.
Town Marshal Gibons served with The Dalles Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the The Dalles community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Town Marshal Gibons.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Town Marshal Ralph Gibons 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 OR, 115 of 197 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 58.4% of this state's fallen. That is 4.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At The Dalles Police Department, 2 of 2 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. Ralph Gibons's cause is highlighted.
How Ralph Gibons Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Ralph Gibons is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Ralph Gibons was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from The Dalles Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
