Incident
Patrol Officer Charles Dunham was shot and killed and another officer was kidnapped when they entered a man's home to investigate a complaint made against him by his ex-wife. As they attempted to arrest the man he gained control of Officer Dunham's service revolver, shot him, and then forced the other officer to drive him five miles to Johnstown. The suspect released the officer and sped away in his patrol car with police in pursuit. The suspect was captured after he crashed the patrol car in a ditch on Route 30-A. The suspect, charged with first degree murder, was acquitted by a jury on April 8th, 1966.
Survivors
Officer Dunham was survived by his wife and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-DC8F88A1- 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.
Patrol Officer Dunham served with the Gloversville Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Gloversville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrol Officer Dunham.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrol Officer Charles C. Dunham 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 NY, 754 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 35.1% of this state's fallen. That is 19.1 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Gloversville Police Department, 2 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Charles C. Dunham's cause is highlighted.
How Charles C. Dunham Compares
Offender Outcome
Acquitted
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Charles C. Dunham is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Charles C. Dunham was killed by officer's handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Gloversville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.

