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Incident
Officer Thompson was shot and killed with his own service revolver in the Hutchinson County Jail after being overpowered by two inmates, 23 and 26, when he opened their cell door. After shooting Officer Thompson, the two men took his gun and keys and fled the jail. They were both arrested the following day. They were found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison but had their convictions overturned. On November 7, 1985, during a second trial one of the suspects was acquitted and the other was sentenced to 45 years.
Survivors
Officer Thompson had been with the agency for 7 months and was survived by his wife and three sons.
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.
Correctional Officer Thompson served with the Hutchinson County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Borger community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Correctional Officer Thompson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Hutchinson County Sheriff's Office has lost 5 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Jack is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Jack is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Jack 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 1979, 12 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1979, 136 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1979, 153 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Jack was 43. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Jack had served 0.6 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Jack 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. Jack had served 0.6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Jack was 43. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Jack had served 0.6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 10.3% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Mondays: 13.3%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 60% of all 5 deaths at Hutchinson County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.9% 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 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
Hutchinson County Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, Jack among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 49-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Hutchinson County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
