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Incident
Patrolman Thomas Caniff succumbed to a gunshot wound received two weeks earlier while investigating a grocery store burglary on North Seventh Street in Greenfield.
The suspect, who was hiding behind the counter, suddenly jumped up and opened fire, striking Patrolman Caniff in the liver. His partner was also struck and died of his wounds in 1964.
The suspect was convicted of Patrolman Caniff's murder and sentenced to death. He committed suicide in jail prior to his execution date.
Patrolman Caniff had served with the Greenfield Police Department for three months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
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 Caniff served with the Greenfield Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Greenfield community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Caniff.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Greenfield Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Thomas is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1933, 7 officers in OH were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1933, 184 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1933, 186 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Thomas was 47. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Thomas was 47. 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. Thomas had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thomas was 47. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 9.3% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 9.6%. Mondays: 14.5%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Greenfield Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 31.6% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Greenfield Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Thomas among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 8-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Greenfield Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
