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Incident
Night Policeman James Benge was shot and killed when he interrupted a burglary at the Thirkield Store at the corner of 4th Street and Main Street downtown Franklin.
He encountered two brothers coming out of the side door carrying stolen merchandise. One of the men opened fire on Policeman Benge, mortally wounding him. Despite his wound Policeman Benge was able to return fire and shot the subject. Both brothers, 21 and 22, were arrested.
The brother who shot Policeman Benge plead guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison. He was paroled on January 26, 1949. His brother, who also plead guilty to second degree murder, was paroled on June 1, 1940.
Policeman Benge was survived by his wife and son.
Survivors
Policeman Benge was survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Night Policeman Benge gave the Franklin Police Department 19 years.
Thank you for your service to the Franklin community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Night Policeman Benge.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Franklin Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
James 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 1926, 15 officers in OH were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1926, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1926, 209 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 55. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
James was 55. 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. James had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 55. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 7.9% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 9.6%. Sundays: 12.4%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Franklin Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 31.6% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Franklin Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, James 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 Franklin Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
