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Incident
Patrolman Delbert Thompson was shot and killed while investigating a stolen automobile. Patrolman Thompson had stopped the vehicle when one of its occupants, who at the time was wanted for five bank robberies, shot and killed him. The vehicle and its occupants fled the scene, but were spotted and stopped by Patrolman Farkas and his partner. As the officers were exiting their vehicle, the suspect opened fire killing Patrolman Farkas and wounding his partner. Patrolman Farkas' partner was able to return fire and killed the suspect. Patrolman Thompson had served with the South Bend Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two daughters and son.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Patrolman Thompson gave the South Bend Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the South Bend community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Thompson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
South Bend Police Department has lost 15 officers; 11 of them killed feloniously.
Delbert is one of 310 officers killed feloniously in IN, 61.6% of the 503 remembered there.
Delbert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Delbert 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 1933, 2 officers at South Bend Police Department were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1933, 5 officers in IN were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 122 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 9.
In 1933, 184 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1933, 186 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Delbert was 43. Of the 11 killed feloniously at South Bend Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 29.5 and 39; the middle age was 36. Delbert had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Delbert was 43. Of the 299 killed feloniously in IN whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. Delbert had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Delbert was 43. 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. Delbert had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Delbert was 43. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Delbert had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 18.2% of these deaths at South Bend Police Department; November holds the most, 18.2%. Saturdays: 27.3%.
May holds 7.1% of these deaths in IN; January holds the most, 11%. Saturdays: 15.5%.
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 73.3% of all 15 deaths at South Bend Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 45.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.6% of all 503 deaths in IN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.9% 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
South Bend Police Department has 15 officers remembered here, Delbert among them.
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Oscar W. Christensen
May 11, 1897
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Lewis Keller
Feb 25, 1898
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Samuel Cooper Nov 1, 1900
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Hans B. Brandt
Jun 18, 1916
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Fred E. Buhland Jan 10, 1921
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Neil Mason McIntyre
Dec 25, 1923
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Lloyd L. Thompson
Feb 27, 1932
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Charles E. Farkas, Sr.
May 27, 1933
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Delbert Thompson
May 27, 1933
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Howard C. Wagner
Jun 30, 1934
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Ronald S. St. Germain, Sr.
Aug 19, 1967
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Thomas J. DeRue, Sr.
Nov 14, 1974
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Paul Richard Deguch
Aug 24, 1997
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Scott Lee Severns
Apr 23, 2006
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Nick Samuel Polizzotto
Apr 24, 2007
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 52-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
14 officers from South Bend Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
