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Incident
Corporal Eric Chapman was killed in a single vehicle crash on Columbia Road, between Star Road and JET Middle School, at approximately 10:30 pm.
He was responding to backup another officer who was dealing with an armed individual when his vehicle hydroplaned. He was ejected from his vehicle as it overturned multiple times. He was transported to Augusta University Trauma Unit where he was pronounced dead shortly before midnight.
Corporal Chapman was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Johnston Police Department for 2-1/2 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, daughter, three stepchildren, parents, and two sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Marine Corps. One record, 2 gates. James is one person.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Corporal Chapman gave the Johnston Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Johnston community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
James Eric Chapman served in the U.S. Marine Corps before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Accident
James is the only officer of Johnston Police Department remembered here.
James is one of 139 officers lost to accidents in SC, 31.4% of the 442 remembered there.
James is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
James is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2017, 4 officers in SC were lost to accidents, the 4th heaviest of 71 years on record. The heaviest was 1986, with 6.
In 2017, 57 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 81st heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2017, 60 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 91st heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 30. Of the 120 lost to accidents in SC whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 41; the middle age was 34. James had served 2.4 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
James was 30. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. James had served 2.4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 30. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. James had served 2.4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 8.6% of these deaths in SC; June holds the most, 13.7%. Fridays: 20.1%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 15.1%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Fridays: 15%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Johnston Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 31.4% of all 442 deaths in SC, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where
Military Service
James Eric Chapman served in the U.S. Marine Corps before joining law enforcement.
Visit James Eric Chapman’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 45-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Johnston Police Department are honored on badge.nw.