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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Thomas Fowler was shot and killed while transporting a subject to jail. He had just arrested the man following a stakeout of burglary tools in Hutchinson. When the man arrived at the scene Deputy Fowler arrested him. The suspect attempted to bribe Deputy Fowler as he was being driven to jail. When Deputy Fowler refused the bribe the man produced a pistol and fired a warning shot. As Deputy Fowler reached for his own gun the man shot him. The suspect was apprehended in Ottawa, Kansas, in April of 1911. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. On July 11, 1916, he was hospitalized in critical condition after he was stabbed by a fellow inmate. Many newspaper reports stating he could not live were wrong. He recovered after six weeks in the hospital. Deputy Fowler was survived by four sons. He was preceded in death by his wife.
Survivors
Deputy Fowler was survived by four sons.
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.
Deputy Sheriff Fowler served with the Reno County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Hutchinson community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Fowler.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Reno County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Thomas is one of 237 officers killed feloniously in KS, 70.7% of the 335 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Thomas 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 1910, 3 officers in KS were killed feloniously, the 17th heaviest of 112 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 8.
In 1910, 121 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1910, 124 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 47th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Thomas was 50. Of the 211 killed feloniously in KS whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 49; the middle age was 42.
Thomas was 50. 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.
Thomas was 50. 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 8.9% of these deaths in KS; July holds the most, 11.4%. Sundays: 13.9%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Reno County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 70.7% of all 335 deaths in KS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 32.9% 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, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Reno County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Thomas among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 4-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Reno County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.