Roll of Honor
Incident
Marshal John Zoller succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained on December 4th, 1913, when he confronted two burglars.
He was on foot patrol in the city's business district when he encountered the two men coming out of the back of a business.
The two men immediately opened fire on him, causing a serious wound. Despite the wound, he was able to return fire and shot one of the suspects twice. The wound Marshal Zoller suffered caused him to be paralyzed. He was taken to St. Vincent's Hospital, in Portland, where he remained until succumbing to his wounds.
The suspect who shot Marshal Zoller turned himself in at the Salem Police Department the following day. Four months later he was convicted of murder and sentenced to life.
Marshal Zoller was survived by his wife and 12 children.
Survivors
Marshal Zoller was survived by his wife and 12 children.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-OR-B9EE0215- Stewardship
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- 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.
Marshal Zoller served with the Gervais Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Gervais community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Marshal Zoller.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Marshal John Zoller 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 OR, 115 of 197 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 58.4% of this state's fallen. That is 4.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John Zoller's cause is highlighted.
How John Zoller Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Zoller is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Zoller was killed by gun; unknown type.