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Incident
Patrol Officer Charles Dunham was shot and killed and another officer was kidnapped when they entered a man's home to investigate a complaint made against him by his ex-wife. As they attempted to arrest the man he gained control of Officer Dunham's service revolver, shot him, and then forced the other officer to drive him five miles to Johnstown. The suspect released the officer and sped away in his patrol car with police in pursuit. The suspect was captured after he crashed the patrol car in a ditch on Route 30-A. The suspect, charged with first degree murder, was acquitted by a jury on April 8th, 1966.
Survivors
Officer Dunham was survived by his wife and two 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrol Officer Dunham served with the Gloversville Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Gloversville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrol Officer Dunham.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Gloversville Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Charles is one of 739 officers killed feloniously in NY, 34.7% of the 2,132 remembered there.
Charles is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charles 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 1965, 2 officers in NY were killed feloniously, the 102nd heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 32.
In 1965, 78 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 89th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1965, 80 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 92nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Charles was 27. Of the 671 killed feloniously in NY whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 43; the middle age was 35.
Charles was 27. 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.
Charles was 27. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
May holds 7.3% of these deaths in NY; September holds the most, 13.8%. Saturdays: 14.5%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Gloversville Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 34.7% of all 2,132 deaths in NY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 6.6% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Gloversville Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Charles among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 32-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Gloversville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
