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Incident
Special Officer Elliot Johnson was struck and killed by a vehicle that attempted to run a roadblock. The driver of the vehicle, which was being driven chased by a Rockland police officer when he drove into the roadblock setup by Officer Johnson. The 23-year-old driver was slightly injured. His male passenger was killed. The suspect, serving 2 to 4 years for breaking and entering at Thomaston Prison, was out on a weekend furlough. He was convicted of two counts of reckless homicide and sentenced to two 2.5 to 5-year terms to be served consecutively. On November 2, 1977, he escaped from prison, was quickly captured, and had more time added to his sentence. Officer Johnson was a volunteer officer with the agency and was employed as a janitor and bus driver for the local high school.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three sons, and three 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.
Special Officer Johnson served with the Thomaston Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Thomaston community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Officer Johnson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Thomaston Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Elliott is one of 37 officers killed feloniously in ME, 43% of the 86 remembered there.
Elliott is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Elliott 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 1973, 1 officer in ME was killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 33 years on record. The heaviest was 1873, with 2.
In 1973, 171 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 17th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1973, 188 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 17th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Elliott was 45. Of the 32 killed feloniously in ME whose age is recorded, half were between 34.3 and 49.5; the middle age was 42.
Elliott was 45. 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.
Elliott was 45. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
September holds 10.8% of these deaths in ME; January holds the most, 10.8%. Saturdays: 24.3%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Thomaston Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 43% of all 86 deaths in ME, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 10.8% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Thomaston Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Elliott among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 56-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Thomaston Police Department are honored on badge.nw.