Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective Hoyt Gates was shot and killed when he interrupted an armed robbery at a grocery store. The manager of a grocery store on 34th Street was talking to his wife on the telephone when a suspect entered the store and announced the robbery. The manager told his wife to call the police and hung up the phone. The manager’s wife called the police and officers were dispatched. Unaware of the robbery, Detective Gates attempted to enter the store. He started to bang on the front door when he found it locked. A clerk came to open the door and attempted to warn him when the suspect started firing. Detective Gates moved so he would not endanger the clerk when he returned fire but moved directly into the suspect’s line of fire. Detective Gates was struck four times. Detective Gates return fire did not strike the suspect, who fled to a storeroom in the rear. Detective Gates exited out the front entrance of the store where he collapsed outside. He was transported to a local hospital where he died shortly thereafter. The responding officers were told by the store clerks the suspect was still inside. The officers surrounded the store and launched tear gas. The suspect was arrested as he exited the store. The suspect’s wife was arrested several hours later as an accomplice. She was cleared of all charges and released several days later after the suspect confessed she had no part in the crime. The suspect was charged with first-degree murder. He was convicted and executed by firing squad on February 5, 1943. The members of the firing squad were Ogden Police Officers who had served with Detective Gates.
Survivors
Detective Hoyt Gates served for five years and is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-UT-A0633F15- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Hoyt. 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective Gates gave the Ogden Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Ogden community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Gates.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective Hoyt L. Gates is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,756 officers honored here.
In UT, 84 of 138 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.9% of this state's fallen. That is 60.9 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Ogden Police Department, 9 of 10 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 90% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Hoyt L. Gates's cause is highlighted.
How Hoyt L. Gates Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Hoyt L. Gates is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Hoyt L. Gates was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from Ogden Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
