Roll of Honor
Thomas McMillin
Incident
Location: California Weapon: Handgun Offender: Sentenced to 10 years
Special Officer Thomas McMillin was shot and killed in Barstow, California, while attempting to arrest three hobos who were riding on the top of a railroad car.
The three suspects were apprehended after a short chase by a posse into the desert. Only the shooter was charged with murder. The other two were released. The suspect, 21, was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 10 years. He had a parole hearing on April 19, 1928. The outcome is unknown.
Officer McMillin had served in law enforcement for 33 years. He had previously served as chief of police for 17 years in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-RR-DA0528FA- 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 Thomas. 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
33 years. You could have gone home.
Special Officer McMillin gave the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad Police Department 33 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Topeka community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Officer McMillin.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Special Officer Thomas McMillin 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 KS, 237 of 335 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 70.7% of this state's fallen. That is 16.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad Police Department, 24 of 32 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 75% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Thomas McMillin's cause is highlighted.
How Thomas McMillin Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 10 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Thomas McMillin is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Thomas McMillin was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
31 officers from Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
