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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Bill Thompson was shot and killed by the leader of a band of outlaws who operated in the neutral area of Colorado, Kansas, and Texas.
When the gang's leader learned there was a warrant out for his arrest he and the outlaws rode into town, where they encountered Deputy Thompson. The leader then asked Deputy Thompson if it were true he held an arrest warrant. When Deputy Thompson answered that it was true he was shot in the neck and killed.
The gang fled into neutral area and escaped a posse that was sent after them.
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
138 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy Sheriff Thompson served with the Las Animas County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Trinidad community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Las Animas County Sheriff's Office has lost 7 officers; 7 of them killed feloniously.
Bill is one of 236 officers killed feloniously in CO, 65.4% of the 361 remembered there.
Bill is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Bill 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 1888, 1 officer at Las Animas County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 6 years on record. The heaviest was 1896, with 2.
In 1888, 1 officer in CO was killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 113 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 9.
In 1888, 60 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 126th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1888, 63 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 126th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
February holds 28.6% of these deaths at Las Animas County Sheriff's Office; April holds the most, 42.9%. Fridays: 14.3%.
February holds 6.8% of these deaths in CO; October holds the most, 11.9%. Fridays: 13.1%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 7 deaths at Las Animas County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 57.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 65.4% of all 361 deaths in CO, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% 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; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Las Animas County Sheriff's Office has 7 officers remembered here, Bill among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 56-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Las Animas County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
