Prev
Incident
Sheriff Thompson was shot and killed by a town marshal after an argument stemming from the sheriff closing down gambling halls in the town of Durango. The two got into an argument at one of the halls and went outside and exchanged gunfire. Sheriff Thompson was fatally wounded and the marshal was wounded. The marshal was charged with murder after it was learned that Sheriff Thompson was shot in the back. The undertaker, however, burned all of Sheriff Thompson's clothes and destroyed the evidence, resulting in the suspect's acquittal.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpsmpajfvxkfqh5b35nm- 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 William. 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.
Sheriff Thompson served with the La Plata County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Durango community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Thompson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
La Plata County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 236 officers killed feloniously in CO, 65.4% of the 361 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William 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 1906, 4 officers in CO were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 113 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 9.
In 1906, 89 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1906, 90 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 75th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
January holds 7.2% of these deaths in CO; October holds the most, 11.9%. Tuesdays: 13.6%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at La Plata County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 65.4% of all 361 deaths in CO, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 25% 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
La Plata County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 30-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from La Plata County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
