Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman Robert Thurman was shot and killed after arresting two drunken men in North Glasgow.
He was walking the men along Main Street to the city jail when one of them shot him in the chest. After he fell to the ground the two men kicked him several times before fleeing.
Both killers were arrested a short time later and charged with Policeman Thurman's murder. The shooter was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. His sentence was commuted to 21 years on January 24, 1919, by Governor Augustus O. Stanley.
Policeman Thurman had served with the Glasgow Police Department for just over one year and had previously served as marshal of Burkesville and Edmonton. He was a widower and was survived by two teenage daughters. He was killed two days before being re-married.
Survivors
He was a widower and was survived by two teenage daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-5A0B7556- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Robert. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
You barely got started.
Policeman Thurman gave the Glasgow Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Glasgow community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Thurman.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman Robert J. Thurman 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 KY, 755 of 983 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 76.8% of this state's fallen. That is 22.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Glasgow 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. Robert J. Thurman's cause is highlighted.
How Robert J. Thurman Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentence commuted to 21 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert J. Thurman is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert J. Thurman was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Glasgow Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
