Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Thomas Eckhart was shot and killed after arresting a subject. The officer was walking an apparently cooperative subject to the city jail after arresting him for a warrant. However, the officer had no idea at the time that a warrant had never actually been issued. When the two men arrived at the jail door, the subject distracted the officer and pulled out a concealed handgun. He then shot the officer in the abdomen, and prior to escaping, shot the officer again, this time striking him in the leg. Officer Eckhart was taken to Salem Hospital, but his wounds proved fatal, and he died that same day. The subject surrendered eight days later and was convicted of second degree murder, but the conviction was later overturned and reduced to manslaughter.
Survivors
Patrolman Thomas Eckhart was survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OR-028F5FD5- 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.
Patrolman Eckhart served with the Salem Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Salem community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Eckhart.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Thomas M. Eckhart 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%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Thomas M. Eckhart's cause is highlighted.
How Thomas M. Eckhart Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Thomas M. Eckhart is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Thomas M. Eckhart was killed by handgun.