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Meredith A. Thomas
Incident
Extra Policeman Meredith Thomas was shot and killed as he confronted one of two men who he caught stealing hams from a warehouse. Policeman Thomas had been detailed by the police chief to watch the warehouse following a rash of thefts from the area.
When he confronted the man a struggled ensued, during which the second suspect struck him in the head with a brick from behind. The second suspect then took Policeman Thomas' revolver and shot him in the abdomen.
Both men were apprehended a short time later and charged with his murder. They were both convicted, sentenced to death, and subsequently executed in the electric chair on June 20, 1917.
Policeman Meredith had served with the Charlottesville Police Department for approximately one year.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
You barely got started.
Extra Policeman Thomas gave the Charlottesville Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Charlottesville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Extra Policeman Thomas.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Charlottesville Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Meredith is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
Meredith is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Meredith 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 1917, 5 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1917, 165 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1917, 169 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Meredith was 41. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. Meredith had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Meredith was 41. 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. Meredith had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Meredith was 41. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Meredith had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 5.6% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Thursdays: 16.5%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Charlottesville Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 7.4% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Charlottesville Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Meredith among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 30-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Charlottesville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
