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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Harold Thornton was shot and killed by a former mental patient after responding to a stabbing call at 604 Olivero Street in Modesto. The suspect opened fire on Deputy Thornton with a .38 caliber revolver, striking him several times. Although mortally wounded, Deputy Thornton returned fire and wounded the suspect, who was then taken into custody. Deputy Thornton was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. The suspect was sentenced to death but the sentence was changed in 1972 to life without parole when the death penalty was abolished. The suspect died in prison on September 9th, 1980. Deputy Thornton had served with the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and six children.
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.
Deputy Sheriff Thornton gave the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Modesto community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Thornton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department has lost 6 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Harold is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
Harold is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Harold 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 1967, 15 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 1967, 105 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 48th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1967, 107 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 56th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Harold was 33. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35. Harold had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Harold was 33. 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. Harold had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Harold was 33. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Harold had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 9% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 11.8%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 6 deaths at Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 26.9% 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
Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department has 6 officers remembered here, Harold among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 45-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
