Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman William Thompson was shot and killed by a suspect who had barricaded himself in his house when police tried to serve an arrest warrant. Patrolman Thompson was just getting off duty when he heard the call come out. He had responded to the address earlier in the evening and decided to lend his assistance as he believed he had developed a rapport with the suspect. As Patrolman Thompson looked through a window he was struck in the head by a shotgun blast. The suspect, 68, was convicted second degree murder and sentenced to 20 years. He was denied parole in 1976. Patrolman Thompson had served with the Salem Police Department for seven years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two young daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-VA-8BA53B34- 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.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Thompson gave the Salem Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Salem community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Thompson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman William Howard Thompson 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 VA, 394 of 655 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.2% of this state's fallen. That is 60.2 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
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. William Howard Thompson's cause is highlighted.
How William Howard Thompson Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Howard Thompson is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Howard Thompson was killed by shotgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Salem Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
