Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman John Fugate succumbed to a gunshot wound he received on May 1, 1933, while investigating a grocery store burglary on North Seventh Street in Greenfield.
The suspect, who was hiding behind the counter, suddenly jumped up and opened fire, striking Patrolman Fugate and his partner, Patrolman Thomas Caniff. Patrolman Caniff succumbed to his wound two weeks after the incident.
Patrolman Fugate was transported to Athens State Hospital, where he stayed until he passed away 31 years later. The coroner determined that Patrolman Fugate's death was a direct result of the gunshot wound received in 1933.
The suspect was convicted of Patrolman Caniff's murder and sentenced to death. The suspect committed suicide in jail prior to his execution date.
Patrolman Fugate had served with the Greenfield Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, two sons, and four grandchildren.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-AB4B1EF8- 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 Fugate gave the Greenfield Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Greenfield community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Fugate.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman John M. Fugate 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 OH, 572 of 991 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.7% of this state's fallen. That is 3.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Greenfield 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. John M. Fugate's cause is highlighted.
How John M. Fugate Compares
Offender Outcome
Committed suicide
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John M. Fugate is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John M. Fugate was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Greenfield Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
