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Incident
Patrolman John Fugate succumbed to a gunshot wound he received on May 1, 1933, 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 Fugate and his partner, Patrolman Thomas Caniff. Patrolman Caniff succumbed to his wound two weeks after the incident.
Patrolman Fugate was transported to Athens State Hospital, where he stayed until he passed away 31 years later. The coroner determined that Patrolman Fugate's death was a direct result of the gunshot wound received in 1933.
The suspect was convicted of Patrolman Caniff's murder and sentenced to death. The suspect committed suicide in jail prior to his execution date.
Patrolman Fugate had served with the Greenfield Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, two sons, and four grandchildren.
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 Fugate gave the Greenfield Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Greenfield community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Fugate.
— 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.
John is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
John is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1964, 5 officers in OH were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1964, 75 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 94th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1964, 76 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 99th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 62. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
John was 62. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 62. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 3 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%. Thursdays: 15.4%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
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 51.7% of all 34,102 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, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 22-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.
