Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Russell McCurry was shot and killed while chasing a juvenile he had observed breaking into cars in the parking lot of the Sheraton Inn along I-81. Patrolman McCurry and other officers were conducting surveillance of a motel parking lot when they observed the offense. Patrolman McCurry gave chase of one of the juveniles. During the chase the subject pulled a small-caliber handgun and fired one shot, striking Patrolman McCurry in the chest as he ran toward I-81. Two juveniles, both 17, and one adult, 23, were arrested and charged with Patrolman McCurry's murder. The 17-year-old killer was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 16 years. He was paroled in 1982. Between January and March of 1984 he went on a crime spree in Franklin and Boteourt Counties. On November 17, 1984, he was convicted of 8 counts of breaking and entering, 8 counts of grand larceny, and sentenced to 36 years. His parole was also revoked and he was ordered to serve the remainder of his sentence. His remaining 10 years is to run consecutively with his 36 year sentence. Patrolman McCurry was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War and had served with the agency for just nine months. He was survived by his wife and two teenage daughters. He is buried at Sherwood Burial Park, Salem, Virginia.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two teenage daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-VA-A92A607E- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman McCurry served with the Salem Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Salem community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Russell McCurry served in the the United States military (1955) before joining law enforcement.
Patrolman Russell McCurry 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 VA, 394 of 656 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.1% of this state's fallen. That is 60.1 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Salem Police Department, 3 of 3 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. Russell McCurry's cause is highlighted.
How Russell McCurry Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Russell McCurry is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Russell McCurry was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Military Service
Russell McCurry served in the U.S. Navy (1955) before joining law enforcement.
Visit Russell McCurry’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Salem Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
