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Incident
Deputy Thrower died from injuries sustained on November 1, 1994, during a gun battle with a suspect who he and two other officers were trying to serve commitment papers to. The suspect was waiting for them with binoculars and a shotgun. When the officers knocked on the door and identified themselves the suspect opened fire, killing Deputy Thomas Lewis, and mortally wounding Deputy Thrower. Although severely wounded, Deputy Thrower was able to return fire and kill the suspect.
Survivors
Deputy Thrower had been with the agency for 16 years and is survived by his wife and daughter.
In Our Keeping
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Thrower gave the Madison County Sheriff's Office 16 years.
Thank you for your service to the Huntsville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Thrower.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Madison County Sheriff's Department has lost 9 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
Billy is one of 405 officers killed feloniously in AL, 63% of the 643 remembered there.
Billy is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Billy 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 1995, 1 officer at Madison County Sheriff's Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1995, 4 officers in AL were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 131 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 10.
In 1995, 96 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 58th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1995, 99 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 63rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Billy was 41. Of the 3 killed feloniously at Madison County Sheriff's Department whose age is recorded, half were between 41.5 and 48.5; the middle age was 42. Billy had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 16 years.
Billy was 41. Of the 344 killed feloniously in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 49; the middle age was 40. Billy had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Billy 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. Billy had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Billy was 41. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Billy had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 16.7% of these deaths at Madison County Sheriff's Department; October holds the most, 16.7%. Sundays: 16.7%.
September holds 9.9% of these deaths in AL, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.6%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 9 deaths at Madison County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63% of all 643 deaths in AL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 9.9% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Madison County Sheriff's Department has 9 officers remembered here, Billy among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 9-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Madison County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
