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Incident
Patrolman William Thompson was shot and killed by a suspect who had barricaded himself in his house when police tried to serve an arrest warrant. Patrolman Thompson was just getting off duty when he heard the call come out. He had responded to the address earlier in the evening and decided to lend his assistance as he believed he had developed a rapport with the suspect. As Patrolman Thompson looked through a window he was struck in the head by a shotgun blast. The suspect, 68, was convicted second degree murder and sentenced to 20 years. He was denied parole in 1976. Patrolman Thompson had served with the Salem Police Department for seven years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two young 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.
Patrolman Thompson gave the Salem Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Salem community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Thompson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Salem Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 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, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1970, 6 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 10th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1970, 138 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 29th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1970, 142 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 30. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. William had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 30. 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. William had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 30. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 5.6% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Sundays: 18.6%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Salem Police Department. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 9.4% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Salem Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 58-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Salem Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
