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Incident
Policeman Robert Thurman was shot and killed after arresting two drunken men in North Glasgow.
He was walking the men along Main Street to the city jail when one of them shot him in the chest. After he fell to the ground the two men kicked him several times before fleeing.
Both killers were arrested a short time later and charged with Policeman Thurman's murder. The shooter was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. His sentence was commuted to 21 years on January 24, 1919, by Governor Augustus O. Stanley.
Policeman Thurman had served with the Glasgow Police Department for just over one year and had previously served as marshal of Burkesville and Edmonton. He was a widower and was survived by two teenage daughters. He was killed two days before being re-married.
Survivors
He was a widower and was survived by two teenage daughters.
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
You barely got started.
Policeman Thurman gave the Glasgow Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Glasgow community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Thurman.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Glasgow Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert 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 1914, 8 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1914, 127 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1914, 127 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 45th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 35. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. Robert had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Robert was 35. 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. Robert had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 35. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 7.8% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Fridays: 12.4%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Glasgow Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 26.6% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Glasgow Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 10-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Glasgow Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
