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Incident
Chief of Police Dana Thompson was shot and killed, and another officer was wounded by one of two suspects after responding to a burglary in progress at a local drug store at 10:20 pm. The officers had returned fire and seriously wounded the suspect who shot them. The other suspect escaped but was captured a short time later. The suspect who killed Chief Thompson was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison on October 10, 1973. He hanged himself in prison on April 1, 1989. Chief Thompson had served as the Chief of Police for the Manchester Police Department for over 15 years and served in law enforcement for over 18 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and five children.
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.
Chief of Police Thompson gave the Manchester Police Department 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the Manchester community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Thompson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Dana is the only officer of Manchester Police Department remembered here.
Dana is one of 12 officers killed feloniously in VT, 38.7% of the 31 remembered there.
Dana is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Dana 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 1972, 1 officer in VT was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1972, 142 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 28th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1972, 160 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Dana was 61. Of the 12 killed feloniously in VT whose age is recorded, half were between 43.8 and 52.3; the middle age was 46.5. Dana had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 17.5 years.
Dana was 61. 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. Dana had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Dana was 61. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Dana had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 33.3% of these deaths in VT, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 8.3%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Manchester Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 38.7% of all 31 deaths in VT, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 25% 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.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 26-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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