Prev
Incident
Captain Eckerson died from accidental exposure to fentanyl toxicity while executing a search warrant. He was found unresponsive at the County Maintenance Shop in Romney.
Captain Eckerson had served with the Hampshire County Sheriff's Office for 29 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his two sons, a brother, and a sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqa7fkpj6rekyn0g70g5- 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 John. 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
29 years. You could have gone home.
Captain Eckerson gave the Hampshire County Sheriff's Office 29 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Romney community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Captain Eckerson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Hampshire County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
John is one of 54 officers lost to accidents in WV, 23.3% of the 232 remembered there.
John is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2016, 1 officer in WV was lost to accidents, the 8th heaviest of 47 years on record. The heaviest was 1922, with 2.
In 2016, 52 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 90th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2016, 52 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 101st heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
John was 51. Of the 46 lost to accidents in WV whose age is recorded, half were between 26.3 and 46.3; the middle age was 33.5. John had served 29 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
John was 51. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. John had served 29 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 51. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. John had served 29 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 11.1% of these deaths in WV; November holds the most, 16.7%. Wednesdays: 18.5%.
August holds 9.5% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
August holds 9.3% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Hampshire County Sheriff's Office, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was poison, in 100% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 23.3% of all 232 deaths in WV, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was poison, in 1.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was poison, in 0.1% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was poison, in 0% of these deaths.
His people
Hampshire County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 63-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Hampshire County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.