Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Gough was shot and killed when he and his partner stopped to investigate three men who were crouching down behind a tree. One of the men jumped up and opened fire, mortally wounding Patrolman Gough. It was later discovered the trio were wanted for the shooting of a filling station operator in Tonganoxie, Kansas. All three suspects were eventually apprehended, convicted of second degree murder, and sentenced to 50 years in prison. One died in prison July 11, 1954. Another escaped from the Kansas penitentiary January 19, 1934. He was captured in Claremore, Oklahoma, eight months later. While free he robbed a bank in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. He was convicted of bank robbery and sentenced to an additional 124 years in the federal penitentiary at Leavenworth.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KS-5BBF0C75- 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 Gough served with the Leavenworth Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Leavenworth community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Gough.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Ernest Gough 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 KS, 237 of 335 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 70.7% of this state's fallen. That is 16.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Leavenworth Police Department, 7 of 7 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. Ernest Gough's cause is highlighted.
How Ernest Gough Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 50 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Ernest Gough is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Ernest Gough was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Leavenworth Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
