Roll of Honor
Incident
City Marshal Joseph Krechter was shot and killed as he attempted to arrest several drunk men who were creating a disturbance inside a saloon.
The men were seasonal workers who had just been paid for picking hops in nearby fields. They had gone into town where they had been drinking all day. Marshal Krechter deputized two civilians and then entered one of the saloons where they men were. As they tried to arrest the men one opened fire, killing Marshal Krechter and wounding one of the deputy marshals. One of the subjects was also shot and and killed. Marshal Krechter managed to return fire seriously wounding his killer.
The man who shot Marshal Krechter was arrested the following day by the county sheriff and taken to a hospital. He was later convicted of murder and sentenced to an indeterminate term in prison. He was transferred to a hospital in January of 1907 suffering greatly from tuberculosis complicated by a bullet in his lung that could not be removed. A year later, after it was determined he was dying, he was pardoned by Governor George Chamberlain. Several other men, including the saloon owner, were also arrested and charged with rioting.
The man who shot Marshal Krechter was arrested the following day by the county sheriff and taken to a hospital. He was later convicted of murder and sentenced to an indeterminate term in prison. He was transferred to a hospital in January of 1907 suffering greatly from tuberculosis complicated by a bullet in his lung that could not be removed. A year later, after it was determined he was dying, he was pardoned by Governor George Chamberlain. Several other men, including the saloon owner, were also arrested and charged with rioting.
Rest in peace and know that no passage of time will ever erase your service and sacrifice.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo Delaware State Police (Retired) September 11th, 2020
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- April 2, 2026
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- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
City Marshal Krechter served with the St. Paul Marshal's Office.
Thank you for your service to the St. Paul community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, City Marshal Krechter.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
City Marshal Joseph H. Krechter 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. Joseph H. Krechter's cause is highlighted.
How Joseph H. Krechter Compares
Offender Outcome
Pardoned in 1908
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Joseph H. Krechter is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Joseph H. Krechter was killed by gun; unknown type.