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Incident
Patrolman Dayton Foster succumbed to injuries sustained five days earlier when he fell off of a 25-foot cliff while struggling with a suspect near the man's home on Gardner Street (modern-day Garrison Avenue). He and two other officers had responded to the home for a domestic disturbance call and placed both parties under arrest. As they searched the house the male subject fled with Patrolman Foster in pursuit. Patrolman Foster caught him a short distance away and the two began to struggle, at which point they fell down the cliff. The suspect pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in intermediate court and was sentenced to serve six months in the county jail and fined $25 plus costs. Patrolman Foster had served with the Charles Police Department for only six weeks.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and five sons.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Foster served with the Charleston Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Charleston community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Foster.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Charleston Police Department has lost 9 officers; 3 of them lost to accidents.
Dayton is one of 54 officers lost to accidents in WV, 23.3% of the 232 remembered there.
Dayton is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Dayton is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1931, 2 officers in WV were lost to accidents, more than in any other year.
In 1931, 100 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 6th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1931, 115 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 6th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Dayton was 50. Of the 46 lost to accidents in WV whose age is recorded, half were between 26.3 and 46.3; the middle age was 33.5. Dayton had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Dayton was 50. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Dayton had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Dayton was 50. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Dayton had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 7.4% of these deaths in WV; November holds the most, 16.7%. Saturdays: 18.5%.
May holds 8.6% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
May holds 8.4% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 33.3% of all 9 deaths at Charleston Police Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 23.3% of all 232 deaths in WV, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 1.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 0.2% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 0.1% of these deaths.
His people
Charleston Police Department has 9 officers remembered here, Dayton among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 59-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Charleston Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
