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Incident
Deputy Marshal Thomas Harris was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a suspect wanted for robbing a local saloon. The saloon keeper was confronted and held at gunpoint as he went out back to obtain a bucket of coal. The man forced him back inside and stole $40 in cash before forcing the saloon keeper to pour him a beer. As the man began to drink the beer the victim fled out of the back and notified Deputy Harris of the robbery. Deputy Harris located the man hiding in an upstairs room of the saloon. As he shined his light in the room the man opened fire, striking Deputy Harris several times, before fleeing. Other officers shot the subject when they attempted to arrest him a short distance away. The suspect had to be secretly removed from the jail after a lynch mob attempted to lynch him. Deputy Marshal Harris was survived by his wife and four children. Deputy Marshal Harris' flag was retired at the Rock Springs Police Department on May 18, 2018. His great-granddaughter is now employed with the same agency.
Survivors
Deputy Marshal Harris was survived by his wife and four 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.
Deputy Marshal Harris served with the Rock Springs Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Rock Springs community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Marshal Harris.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Rock Springs Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Thomas is one of 41 officers killed feloniously in WY, 65.1% of the 63 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, 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 1915, 1 officer in WY was killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 30 years on record. The heaviest was 1903, with 5.
In 1915, 152 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1915, 157 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 29th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Thomas was 41. Of the 32 killed feloniously in WY whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 45; the middle age was 41.5.
Thomas was 41. 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 41. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
March holds 14.6% of these deaths in WY, more than any other month. Fridays: 12.2%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Rock Springs Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 65.1% of all 63 deaths in WY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 43.9% 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 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Rock Springs Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Thomas among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 7-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Rock Springs Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
