A memorial dedicated last Friday marked a day in history of over 100 years ago when the only police office to ever lose his life in service to the Town of Gassaway died at the hands of a man he was attempting to arrest. Months of hard work, headed by amateur historian Herb Cogar, came to fruition with the formal dedication of a memorial bench honoring Gassaway Police Chief Ord Thompon who was killed in 1915.
On the morning of April 30,1915, while attempting to arrest a dangerous fugitive, Gassaway Chief of Police Ord Thomspon was shot and mortally wounded at E.M. Layman’s store, then at the corner of Elk and 4th Street (the currently location of the City National Bank branch). An engraved bench now sits at that site to commemorate the sacrifice Chief Thompson made to his beloved city.
Herb Cogar welcomed those who attended the Friday ceremony. He talked about the death of Chief Thompson and what has led to the memorial bench being placed near the site of that tragedy that occurred over 100 years ago. He also recognized those individuals, businesses and organizations that had finically contributed to make the monument possible.
Former House of Delegates Member and life-long Gassaway resident Brent Boggs also addressed those in attendance. Following the brief ceremony a reception was held inside the Gassaway Depot complete with displays surrounding Chief Thompson’s murder and the subsequent conviction of William Holly Griffith.
Spectators also had the opportunity to see a special bronze plaque that will be erected near the inscribed bench, while enjoying refreshments.