Corrections Officer John Holcomb, North Dakota State Penitentiary, North Dakota

Corrections Officer John Holcomb

North Dakota State Penitentiary, North Dakota

End of Watch Saturday, August 7, 1954

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John Holcomb

Corrections Officer John Holcomb was killed when he was crushed between a boxcar and a gate while he was attempting to stop an escape.

The inmate had jumped into the boxcar as it was being pushed through the front prison gate. Officer Holcomb also attempted to jump into the boxcar but was crushed between it and the prison gate. The inmate gave up the escape attempt when a guard in the tower fired at him after he jumped back out of the boxcar on the outside of the gate.

Officer Holcomb as serving as a special duty officer at the prison. He had previously served with the Cass County Sheriff's Office and with the Fargo Police Department. He was survived by his wife and five daughters.

Bio

Age 64
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Struck by train
Weapon Not available
Offender Apprehended

escape attempt

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Officer Holcomb,
On today, the 70th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of North Dakota. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. There is no tougher job in Law Enforcement than that of a Corrections Officer.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

August 7, 2024