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Incident
Chief of Police Charlie Thornton was shot and killed while attempting to arrest two men across the street from the Butts County Courthouse. Both men were convicted of his murder and sentenced to death. They were both executed in the electric chair on December 9, 1938. Chief Thornton had served as chief of the Jackson Police Department for at least eight years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two sons, and two daughters.
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.
Chief of Police Thornton gave the Jackson Police Department 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the Jackson community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Thornton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Charlie is the only officer of Jackson Police Department remembered here.
Charlie is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 remembered there.
Charlie is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charlie 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 1938, 6 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 20th heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
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
Charlie had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charlie had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charlie had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 5.1% of these deaths in GA; December holds the most, 10.6%. Tuesdays: 13.1%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Jackson Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.7% of all 905 deaths in GA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 19.3% 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 47-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Jackson Police Department are honored on badge.nw.