John Ferdinand Bockman.
Chief of Police John Bockman was shot and killed while questioning a shooting suspect next to a railroad line. A railroad worker had asked the suspect and another man to leave but was shot at by the pair. When Chief Bockman arrived on the scene he ordered the man to raise his hands but was met with gunfire. Chief Bockman was able to return fire, mortally wounding the suspect before being shot in the face. The suspect received a shoulder wound and died in jail two days later. Chief Bockman was a WWI veteran and was the city's only police officer at the time.
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In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Chief of Police Bockman gave the Libby Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Libby community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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