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Incident
Patrolman Thompson was shot and killed while he and his partner investigated a burglary at a local restaurant. He was shot in the eye and abdomen by the restaurant owner as he walked into the establishment. The owner claimed that he shot in self defense.
The suspect was convicted of Patrolman Thompson's murder and sentenced to life in prison on April 11, 1926. He was paroled May 28, 1943.
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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 Thompson served with the Madison Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Madison community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Thompson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Madison Police Department has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Palmer is one of 159 officers killed feloniously in WI, 50% of the 318 remembered there.
Palmer is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Palmer is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1926, 3 officers in WI were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 89 years on record. The heaviest was 1917, with 11.
In 1926, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1926, 209 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Palmer was 26. Of the 141 killed feloniously in WI whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 38.
Palmer was 26. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Palmer was 26. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
January holds 6.3% of these deaths in WI; November holds the most, 11.9%. Mondays: 13.8%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Madison Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 318 deaths in WI, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 19.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Madison Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Palmer among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 55-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Madison Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
