Chief of Police John Ferdinand Bockman

Chief of Police John Ferdinand Bockman

Libby Police Department, Montana

End of Watch Monday, April 28, 1924

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John Ferdinand Bockman

Chief of Police John Bockman was shot and killed while questioning a shooting suspect next to a railroad line.

A railroad worker had asked the suspect and another man to leave but was shot at by the pair. When Chief Bockman arrived on the scene he ordered the man to raise his hands but was met with gunfire. Chief Bockman was able to return fire, mortally wounding the suspect before being shot in the face.

The suspect received a shoulder wound and died in jail two days later.

Chief Bockman was a WWI veteran and was the city's only police officer at the time. He had served with the Libby Police Department for three years and was survived by wife, two sons, and parents.

Bio

  • Age 32
  • Tour 3 years
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Shot and killed

shots fired call

Most Recent Reflection

View all 8 Reflections

Chief Bockman,
On today, the 100th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during World War I.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

April 28, 2024

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