Patrolman Dayton Foster, Charleston Police Department, West Virginia

Patrolman Dayton Foster

Charleston Police Department, West Virginia

End of Watch Saturday, May 23, 1931

Add to My Heroes

Dayton Foster

Patrolman Dayton Foster succumbed to injuries sustained five days earlier when he fell off of a 25-foot cliff while struggling with a suspect near the man's home on Gardner Street (modern-day Garrison Avenue).

He and two other officers had responded to the home for a domestic disturbance call and placed both parties under arrest. As they searched the house the male subject fled with Patrolman Foster in pursuit. Patrolman Foster caught him a short distance away and the two began to struggle, at which point they fell down the cliff.

The suspect pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in intermediate court and was sentenced to serve six months in the county jail and fined $25 plus costs.

Patrolman Foster had served with the Charles Police Department for only six weeks. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and five sons.

Bio

Age 50
Tour 1 month, 2 weeks
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Fall
Incident Date Monday, May 18, 1931
Weapon Person
Offender Sentenced to 6 months

domestic

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 5 Reflections

A 9-year old reflection on this memorial page led me to post here, as well. Detention Officer Zambito is correct when he said that "as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us." I wholeheartedly agree, and even though your service and your death were before I was born, Officer Foster's life has meaning and value to me. I am grateful to have stumbled onto your page today, Officer Foster. May you continue to rest in peace.

Special Deputy L. Johnson
Monroe Co. Sheriff's Office

January 25, 2024