Inyo County Sheriff's Office, California
End of Watch Sunday, February 10, 1878
Add to My HeroesThomas Passmore
Sheriff Passmore was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a suspect who had murdered another man earlier that night. The suspect had gone to a saloon that was well known to be the hangout for outlaws. Sheriff Passmore arrived at the saloon and ordered the suspect to surrender.
When the suspect refused to come out the sheriff attempted to go into the saloon but his passage was blocked at the door. Someone inside the saloon then opened fire, shooting through the door and striking Sheriff Passmore in the chest, killing him.
Outraged citizens then opened fire on the saloon, firing hundreds of shots into it. The saloon owner attempted to escape out the back but was captured and shot to death by the mob. The suspect wanted for the original murder also attempted to escape and was killed the same way.
Sheriff Passmore had served as sheriff for 3 years.
Bio
- Age Not available
- Tour 3 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 10 ReflectionsInyo County is not far from Reno. Thanks for your service to your county and to the State of California. In 1878, the law was tough to mete out in places like Inyo and your service and sacrifice says a lot about who you were. You exhibited courage and conviction despite the dangers. You honor us all.
Jim Lopey, Assistant Sheriff (Ret)
Washoe County Sheriff (Reno) and NVDPS
February 10, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths
Investigator John Hampton Coddou
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 23, 2024
Police Officer Jordan Wingate
Oakland Police Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024
Police Officer Luis M. Huesca
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Tobin Bolter
Ada County Sheriff's Office, ID
EOW: April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Alfredo "Freddy" Flores
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024
Investigator Brian Herbert
Osage Nation Police Department, TR
EOW: April 17, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fred Fislar
Hendricks County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: April 16, 2024
Police Officer Michael E. Jensen
Syracuse Police Department, NY
EOW: April 14, 2024
Lieutenant Michael Hoosock
Onondaga County Sheriff's Office, NY
EOW: April 14, 2024