Prev
Incident
Night Watchman John Gates was shot and killed by the city marshal who had a long standing grudge with him.
The marshal confronted Watchman Gates in front of a grocery store and an argument ensued. During the course of the argument the marshal shot Watchman Gates with a 16-gauge shotgun.
The marshal then attempted to commit suicide, but survived. He was charged with Watchman Gates' murder and convicted of manslaughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqkj4qdqkhwd5x6c97xe- 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Night Watchman Gates gave the Medina City Police Department 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the Medina community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Night Watchman Gates.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
John is the only officer of Medina City Police Department remembered here.
John is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1916, 17 officers in OH were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1916, 155 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1916, 175 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 57. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
John was 57. 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. John had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 57. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 9.6% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 9.6%. Tuesdays: 14.5%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Medina City Police Department.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 49-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Medina City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.