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Incident
Patrolman Thomas Eckhart was shot and killed after arresting a subject. The officer was walking an apparently cooperative subject to the city jail after arresting him for a warrant. However, the officer had no idea at the time that a warrant had never actually been issued. When the two men arrived at the jail door, the subject distracted the officer and pulled out a concealed handgun. He then shot the officer in the abdomen, and prior to escaping, shot the officer again, this time striking him in the leg. Officer Eckhart was taken to Salem Hospital, but his wounds proved fatal, and he died that same day. The subject surrendered eight days later and was convicted of second degree murder, but the conviction was later overturned and reduced to manslaughter.
Survivors
Patrolman Thomas Eckhart was survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Eckhart served with the Salem Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Salem community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Eckhart.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Thomas is the only officer of Salem Police Department remembered here.
Thomas is one of 115 officers killed feloniously in OR, 58.4% of the 197 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Thomas 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 1909, 1 officer in OR was killed feloniously, the 32nd heaviest of 75 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 5.
In 1909, 99 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 52nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1909, 103 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Thomas was 55. Of the 97 killed feloniously in OR whose age is recorded, half were between 36 and 51; the middle age was 43.
Thomas was 55. 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.
Thomas was 55. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
October holds 7% of these deaths in OR; November holds the most, 12.2%. Fridays: 19.1%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Salem Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, 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 handgun, in 21.7% 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.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 52-W
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