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Incident
Patrolman Thornton was shot and killed when he attempted to stop a suspicious man on West Washington Street. Patrolman Thornton was walking his beat when noticed the man exit a store and act suspicious. Unbeknownst to Patrolman Thornton the man had just robbed the store. When Patrolman Thornton told him to put his hands up the man suddenly raised a gun and shot him twice. The suspect fled the scene and attempted to escape by swimming in the Chocalay River. Chief of Police Martin Ford and his son attempted to apprehend the suspect but were both shot and killed at the river bank. The suspect was shot and killed by another officer.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Thornton served with the Marquette City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Marquette community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Thornton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Marquette City Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Thomas is one of 415 officers killed feloniously in MI, 59% of the 703 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, 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 1924, 9 officers in MI were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 124 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 14.
In 1924, 225 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1924, 228 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Thomas was 26. Of the 400 killed feloniously in MI whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 42; the middle age was 35.
Thomas was 26. 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 was 26. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
August holds 9.2% of these deaths in MI; December holds the most, 12.3%. Sundays: 16.6%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Marquette City Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 59% of all 703 deaths in MI, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 31.8% 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
Marquette City Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Thomas among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 49-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Marquette City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.