"Several weeks ago, the Sheriff's Office was made aware that Empire City Marshal Marion Thomas' name, service and sacrifice to our community was not etched into the marble walls of the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C.," according to Sheriff's Chief Deputy Nate Jones.

"Over the past several weeks, with assistance from our Community Outreach Deputy and the Cherokee County Genealogical Society, we have gathered historical information including newspaper articles and court reports from the time, as to the circumstances surrounding City Marshal Thomas' death," continued Chief Deputy Jones.

According to historical accounts, around 3:00 in the afternoon on February 5, 1900, City Marshal Thomas responded to a saloon near Columbus and Main Street in Empire City (now the City of Galena) after shots had been fired inside the establishment.  When City Marshal Thomas requested the shooter surrender his firearm, he was shot multiple times, dying almost instantly.  City Marshal Thomas left behind a wife, Ollie Hopkins, and three children.

"Regardless of whether this lawman gave his life one hundred and twenty four years ago or today, his service and sacrifice are worthy of being memorialized at the National Law Enforcement Memorial, which is why following the research, official application was made to have his name included and his selflessness honored," concluded Chief Deputy Jones.