Roll of Honor
Thomas M. Gravely
Incident
Investigator Thomas Gravely was shot and killed while raiding a still in Pulaski County with the sheriff, two deputies, and his son, who was going to drive the car and hide it during the operation. The still had been discovered the previous day near the narrow gauge railroad, approximately five miles northwest of Pulaski, and the officer had returned to apprehend the still's operators. As they arrived, a young lookout warned the operator that someone was approaching. The man attempted to flee armed with three weapons and a can of whiskey. He exchanged shots with two of the deputies and then proceeded in Investigator Gravely's direction. The suspect immediately fired twice with a 12-gauge shotgun, striking Investigator Gravely in the face, head, and neck. Investigator Gravely was transported to a hospital, where he remained until succumbing to his wounds six days later. The suspects were both arrested in connection with his murder. The shooter was sentenced to life in prison for the murder. Investigator Gravely had been with the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-VA-6A35E102- 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.
Investigator Gravely gave the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority 4 years.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Investigator Gravely.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Investigator Thomas M. Gravely 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 VA, 395 of 654 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority - Bureau of Law Enforcement, 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 M. Gravely's cause is highlighted.
How Thomas M. Gravely Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Thomas M. Gravely is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Thomas M. Gravely was killed by shotgun; 12 gauge.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority - Bureau of Law Enforcement are honored on badge.nw.
