Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Harry Darnall died from injuries sustained the previous day when he was pushed off of the running board of a vehicle that he had commandeered. He had just stopped the vehicle for a traffic violation when he observed a known bootlegger driving in the opposite direction. He jumped on the running board of the car he had stopped and ordered it to follow the other vehicle. Unbeknownst to Patrolman Darnall, that driver of the vehicle he had commandeered was also a bootlegger. The man pushed Patrolman Darnall from the running board and fled the scene. The suspect was never identified. Patrolman Darnall had served with the Salem Police Department for two months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and infant child.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-VA-562BECE3- 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 Darnall served with the Salem Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Salem community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Darnall.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Harry Willard Darnall 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 VA, 395 of 654 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Salem Police Department, 3 of 3 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. Harry Willard Darnall's cause is highlighted.
How Harry Willard Darnall Compares
Offender Outcome
Never identified
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Harry Willard Darnall is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Harry Willard Darnall was killed by automobile.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Salem Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
