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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Tom Procter succumbed to a gunshot wound he sustained on May 6th, 1978, after responding to a shoplifting call at a grocery store. When Deputy Procter arrived the store security officers had the shoplifting suspect in custody. As Deputy Procter was gathering information, the shoplifter's boyfriend appeared and began a disturbance. The man then attacked Deputy Procter and was able to gain control of his service weapon. The man fired one shot, striking Deputy Procter. Deputy Procter was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to the wound two weeks later. The suspect was convicted and sentenced to prison. He was later released and placed on probation. Deputy Procter had served with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his two daughters and one son.
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.
Deputy Sheriff Procter gave the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Thibodaux community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Procter.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
LaFourche Parish Sheriff's Office has lost 5 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Thomas is one of 364 officers killed feloniously in LA, 61.2% of the 595 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 1978, 7 officers in LA were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1978, 121 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1978, 135 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Thomas was 35. Of the 310 killed feloniously in LA whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 48; the middle age was 40. Thomas had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Thomas was 35. 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 had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thomas was 35. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 6.9% of these deaths in LA; July holds the most, 11.3%. Saturdays: 15.9%.
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 60% of all 5 deaths at LaFourche Parish Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.2% of all 595 deaths in LA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 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
LaFourche Parish Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, Thomas among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 45-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from LaFourche Parish Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
