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Incident
Patrolman Harry Darnall died from injuries sustained the previous day when he was pushed off of the running board of a vehicle that he had commandeered. He had just stopped the vehicle for a traffic violation when he observed a known bootlegger driving in the opposite direction. He jumped on the running board of the car he had stopped and ordered it to follow the other vehicle. Unbeknownst to Patrolman Darnall, that driver of the vehicle he had commandeered was also a bootlegger. The man pushed Patrolman Darnall from the running board and fled the scene. The suspect was never identified. Patrolman Darnall had served with the Salem Police Department for two months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and infant child.
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 Darnall served with the Salem Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Salem community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Darnall.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Salem Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Harry is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
Harry is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Harry 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 1923, 3 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1923, 199 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1923, 200 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Harry was 24. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. Harry had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Harry was 24. 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. Harry had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Harry was 24. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Harry had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 10.4% of these deaths in VA, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.2%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.8%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Salem Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.6% 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 automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Salem Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Harry among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 11-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Salem Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
