Prev
Incident
Chief G. Thompson was shot and killed after receiving word that a man wanted for forging checks was at a store at the corner of Elk Street and Depot Street. Unbeknownst to Chief Thompson, the suspect was using an alias and was wanted for the murder of Constable Jeff Goff, of the Wirt County, West Virginia. As Chief Thompson made his way to the store he asked a local citizen to accompany him to make the arrest. When the two arrived at the store Chief Thompson pulled out his revolver and approached the man. As the chief grabbed the man by the shoulder the man spun around and opened fire with a revolver, fatally wounding Chief Thompson and striking the citizen in the leg. The suspect fled the scene but was arrested several days later in Youngstown, Ohio. He was convicted of Chief Thompson's murder and sent to prison. He died on July 11, 1971, while still incarcerated. Chief Thompson had served with the agency for only 3 months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children and is buried in Maplewood Cemetery, Elkins, Randolph County, West Virginia.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpsmetkpegnfts2n92v7- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew G.. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief of Police Thompson served with the Gassaway Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Gassaway 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
G. is the only officer of Gassaway Police Department remembered here.
G. is one of 169 officers killed feloniously in WV, 72.8% of the 232 remembered there.
G. is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
G. 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 1915, 4 officers in WV were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 79 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
In 1915, 152 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1915, 157 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 29th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
G. was 44. Of the 147 killed feloniously in WV whose age is recorded, half were between 31.5 and 47.5; the middle age was 39. G. had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 4.5 years.
G. was 44. 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. G. had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
G. was 44. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. G. had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 10.7% of these deaths in WV; August holds the most, 14.2%. Fridays: 14.2%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Gassaway Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% 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 52% of all 33,917 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 52-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Gassaway Police Department are honored on badge.nw.