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Incident
Assistant Chief Tom Thompson was shot and killed from ambush after arresting three men for shooting craps. The three men told the officer they would take him to a location where a larger game was in progress. When they arrived at the location Assistant Chief Tompson was immediately shot and killed by other men waiting at the scene. One of the suspects was later shot and killed by a posse during a shootout in which another officer was wounded in the leg. Two others were taken into custody. Assistant Chief Thompson had served with the Talladega Police Department for 11 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and 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.
Assistant Chief Thompson gave the Talladega Police Department 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Talladega community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Assistant Chief Thompson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Talladega Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Thomas is one of 405 officers killed feloniously in AL, 63% of the 643 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1907, 4 officers in AL were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 131 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 10.
In 1907, 108 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 46th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1907, 109 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 54th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Thomas was 33. Of the 344 killed feloniously in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 49; the middle age was 40. Thomas had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Thomas was 33. 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. Thomas had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thomas was 33. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 8.9% of these deaths in AL; September holds the most, 9.9%. Saturdays: 15.8%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Talladega Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63% of all 643 deaths in AL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 23.5% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Talladega Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Thomas among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 29-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Talladega Police Department are honored on badge.nw.