Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Thornton was shot and killed when he attempted to stop a suspicious man on West Washington Street. Patrolman Thornton was walking his beat when noticed the man exit a store and act suspicious. Unbeknownst to Patrolman Thornton the man had just robbed the store. When Patrolman Thornton told him to put his hands up the man suddenly raised a gun and shot him twice. The suspect fled the scene and attempted to escape by swimming in the Chocalay River. Chief of Police Martin Ford and his son attempted to apprehend the suspect but were both shot and killed at the river bank. The suspect was shot and killed by another officer.
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Thornton served with the Marquette City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Marquette community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Thornton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Thomas J. Thornton 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 MI, 426 of 719 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 59.2% of this state's fallen. That is 59.2 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Marquette City 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 J. Thornton's cause is highlighted.
How Thomas J. Thornton Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Thomas J. Thornton is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Thomas J. Thornton was killed by gun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Marquette City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
