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Incident
Patrolman Ralph Thomas was killed in an accident while reloading pistol ammunition in the police department's basement.
While compressing the reloading die, the powder in the cartridge case ignited, causing the die to impale Patrolman Thomas, killing him.
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 Thomas served with the Homewood Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Homewood community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Thomas.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Homewood Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Ralph is one of 182 officers lost to accidents in AL, 28.3% of the 643 remembered there.
Ralph is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Ralph is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1960, 2 officers in AL were lost to accidents, the 27th heaviest of 85 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 6.
In 1960, 73 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 38th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1960, 89 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 39th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
When
October holds 7.1% of these deaths in AL; July holds the most, 13.2%. Sundays: 18.7%.
October holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Sundays: 14%.
October holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Homewood Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 28.3% of all 643 deaths in AL, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Homewood Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Ralph among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 60-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Homewood Police Department are honored on badge.nw.