Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Thomas Caniff succumbed to a gunshot wound received two weeks earlier while investigating a grocery store burglary on North Seventh Street in Greenfield.
The suspect, who was hiding behind the counter, suddenly jumped up and opened fire, striking Patrolman Caniff in the liver. His partner was also struck and died of his wounds in 1964.
The suspect was convicted of Patrolman Caniff's murder and sentenced to death. He committed suicide in jail prior to his execution date.
Patrolman Caniff had served with the Greenfield Police Department for three months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-3BC05486- 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Caniff served with the Greenfield Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Greenfield community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Caniff.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Thomas G. Caniff 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%.
At Greenfield 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. Thomas G. Caniff's cause is highlighted.
How Thomas G. Caniff Compares
Offender Outcome
Committed suicide
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Thomas G. Caniff is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Thomas G. Caniff was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Greenfield Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
