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Incident
Marshal John Zoller succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained on December 4th, 1913, when he confronted two burglars.
He was on foot patrol in the city's business district when he encountered the two men coming out of the back of a business.
The two men immediately opened fire on him, causing a serious wound. Despite the wound, he was able to return fire and shot one of the suspects twice. The wound Marshal Zoller suffered caused him to be paralyzed. He was taken to St. Vincent's Hospital, in Portland, where he remained until succumbing to his wounds.
The suspect who shot Marshal Zoller turned himself in at the Salem Police Department the following day. Four months later he was convicted of murder and sentenced to life.
Marshal Zoller was survived by his wife and 12 children.
Survivors
Marshal Zoller was survived by his wife and 12 children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Marshal Zoller served with the Gervais Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Gervais community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Marshal Zoller.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
John is the only officer of Gervais Police Department remembered here.
John is one of 115 officers killed feloniously in OR, 58.4% of the 197 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1913, 2 officers in OR were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 75 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 5.
In 1913, 133 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1913, 136 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 38th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 49. Of the 97 killed feloniously in OR whose age is recorded, half were between 36 and 51; the middle age was 43.
John was 49. 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.
John was 49. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
December holds 11.3% of these deaths in OR; November holds the most, 12.2%. Thursdays: 13%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Gervais Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 58.4% of all 197 deaths in OR, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 5.2% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 50-W
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