Prev
Incident
Special Officer Dick Howell succumbed to the effects of a gunshot wound sustained on April 11, 1908, while he and the North Fort Worth police chief investigated a shooting. Officer Howell had been in the city police station speaking with the chief when citizens alerted them to the shooting at Lake Street and 12th street (current day Texas Street).
As the two attempted to arrest the suspect, a struggle ensued, and the suspect was able to open fire with his shotgun. The chief was struck in the abdomen and seriously wounded. Officer Howell was struck in the thigh, causing a serious wound and shattering his bone. The suspect was then taken into custody by citizens.
The suspect was convicted of the murder of his son-in-law in 1908 and sentenced to be executed. It was reversed on appeal in 1909. He was convicted a second time for 75 years, and it was appealed to five years in 1911. He accepted a two-year sentence in 1914.
The leg wound Officer Howell received was enough to cause his leg to be amputated. During the following years, Officer Howell suffered several strokes as a result of the wound and amputation. Despite his serious medical conditions, he was appointed Night Sergeant for North Fort Worth and continued in the position after the city was annexed by Fort Worth in 1910. He eventually succumbed to his wound on September 30, 1927.
Officer Howell had served in law enforcement for a total of 25 years. He had served with the North Fort Worth Police Department, Fort Worth and Denver Railroad Police, and Fort Worth Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, six stepchildren, four brothers, and two sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnmm0j1secfesh4qzae0- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Richard. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
25 years. You could have gone home.
Special Officer Howell gave the North Fort Worth Police Department 25 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Fort Worth community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Officer Howell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
North Fort Worth Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Richard is one of 1,462 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,423 remembered there.
Richard is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Richard is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1927, 18 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1927, 220 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1927, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Richard was 59. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Richard had served 25 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Richard was 59. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Richard had served 25 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Richard was 59. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Richard had served 25 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 9% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Fridays: 15.5%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at North Fort Worth Police Department. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,423 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
North Fort Worth Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Richard among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from North Fort Worth Police Department are honored on badge.nw.