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Incident
Deputy Thompson was shot and killed as he and a civilian conducted surveillance on a cave where stolen property had been stored. When the suspect returned a shootout ensued in which Deputy Thompson and the suspect were killed. Deputy Thompson had served with the agency for 6 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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.
Deputy Sheriff Thompson gave the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Beckley community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Thompson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Raleigh County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Jess is one of 169 officers killed feloniously in WV, 72.8% of the 232 remembered there.
Jess is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Jess 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 1938, 1 officer in WV was killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 79 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
In 1938, 111 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 45th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1938, 113 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 51st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Jess had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 4.5 years.
Jess had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Jess had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 10.7% of these deaths in WV; August holds the most, 14.2%. Thursdays: 9.5%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Raleigh County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 72.8% of all 232 deaths in WV, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 16.6% 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 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
Raleigh County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Jess among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 40-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Raleigh County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
