Fallen Officers

Patrolman Russell McCurry

The bridge on Colorado Street is named in memory of Patrolman McCurry.Russell McCurrySalem Police Department
Virginia
End of Watch: Sunday, February 29, 1976
Cause: Gunfire

Biographical Info

Age: 36
Tour of Duty: 10 months
Badge Number: Not available

Patrolman McCurry was shot and killed while chasing a juvenile he had observed breaking into cars. Patrolman McCurry and other officers were conducting surveillance of a motel parking lot when they observed the offense. Patrolman McCurry gave chase of one of the juveniles. During the chase the suspect pulled a small caliber handgun and fired one shot, striking Patrolman McCurry in the chest.

Patrolman McCurry was a U.S. Navy Vietnam War veteran. He was survived by his wife and two teenage daughters.

Patrolman William Howard Thompson

Thompson Memorial Drive is named in memory of Patrolman Thompson.William ThompsonSalem Police Department
Virginia
End of Watch: Sunday, April 5, 1970
Cause: Gunfire

Biographical Info

Age: 30
Tour of Duty: 7 years
Badge Number: Not available

Patrolman Thompson was shot and killed by a suspect who had barricaded himself in his house when police tried to serve an arrest warrant. Patrolman Thompson was just getting off duty when he heard the call come out. He had responded to the address earlier in the evening and decided to lend his assistance as he believed he had developed a rapport with the suspect. As Patrolman Thompson looked through a window he was struck in the head by a shotgun blast.

Patrolman Thompson had been with the agency for seven years and was survived by his wife and two young daughters.

Patrolman Harry Willard Darnall

Darnall PlaqueHarry DarnallSalem Police Department
Virginia
End of Watch: Monday, December 3, 1923
Cause: Vehicular assault

Biographical Info

Age: 24
Tour of Duty: 2 months
Badge Number: Not available

Patrolman Darnall was pushed off of the running board of a vehicle that he had commandeered. He had just stopped the vehicle for a traffic violation when he observed a known bootlegger driving in the opposite direction. He jumped on the running board of the car he had stopped and ordered it to follow the other vehicle. Unbeknownst to Patrolman Darnall, the driver of that vehicle was also a bootlegger. The man pushed Patrolman Darnall from the running board and fled the scene. The suspect was never identified.

Patrolman Darnall had been with the agency for two months and was survived by his wife and infant child.

To support, honor, and remember America's law enforcement heroes, please visit The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.