Harry Thompson

Police Officer Harry Thompson was shot and killed during a shootout in Needles.

While on patrol, Officer Thompson observed a suspicious person in the alley behind Milligardt's Drug Store. When he tried to stop the man, the subject fled as he fired at Officer Thomspon. Despite being mortally wounded, Officer Thompson was able to return fire from the ground and fatally shot the subject. Officer Thompson was transported to a hospital in San Bernardino, where he died a short time after arriving.

Officer Thompson had served with the Needles Police Department for one week. He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, and two siblings.

Shortly after the countywide peace officer memorial in May 2023, SEBA joined members of the Sheriff's Honor Guard as they embarked on a mission across the county. Their goal? To draw attention to specific monuments dedicated to their fallen brothers.