Patrolman Thomas G. Caniff

Thomas G. Caniff

Patrolman Thomas Caniff succumbed to a gunshot wound received two weeks earlier while investigating a grocery store burglary on North Seventh Street in Greenfield.

The suspect, who was hiding behind the counter, suddenly jumped up and opened fire, striking Patrolman Caniff in the liver. His partner was also struck and died of his wounds in 1964.

The suspect was convicted of Patrolman Caniff's murder and sentenced to death. He committed suicide in jail prior to his execution date.

Patrolman Caniff had served with the Greenfield Police Department for three months. He was survived by his wife.