Officer Thomas DeVane, V, Wilmington Police Department, North Carolina

Officer Thomas DeVane, V

Wilmington Police Department, North Carolina

End of Watch Saturday, August 5, 1865

Thomas DeVane, V

Officer Thomas DeVane succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained two days earlier.

He was accosted at the intersection of 5th Street and Orange Street and shot once in the groin. He was taken to his home where he succumbed to his wounds two days later.

On the same night that Officer DeVane was shot and killed, a group of drunk Union soldiers attacked police officers in several other locations. No suspects were ever identified or arrested in connection with his murder.

Officer DeVane was a Confederate Army veteran and had served with the Wilmington Police Department for only six months. He was survived by his expectant wife and two children.

Bio

Age 28
Tour 6 months
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Thursday, August 3, 1865
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Never identified

Most Recent Reflection

View all 5 Reflections

Officer DeVane - I have read that "the good soldier is peaceful, the skilled boxer strikes not in anger, and that the victor is not vengeful". I am ashamed to read that Union soldiers may likely have brought about your death. Shame on them.

Thank you for your service to the people of Wilmington and the state of Nort Carolina. May God grant you eternal rest and may His perpetual light shine upon you.

Chief K. Moreland (Ret. Sgt.)
Palmer Lake, CO PD (Ret. LAPD)

April 9, 2012