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Incident
Patrolman James Campbell died from complications as the result of injuries sustained on May 26th, 1941, when was assaulted by a burglary suspect at 830 Third Street.
At 12:30 am Patrolman Campbell had received a phone call at the police station from a woman who stated her ex-husband was intoxicated and attempting to forcibly enter her apartment. Shortly after arriving at the scene, Patrolman Campbell discovered the subject near the apartment window. As he attempted to arrest the man a violent struggle ensued. Patrolman Campbell was able to subdue the man after struggling for several minutes.
Once he returned to the police station other officers noticed him as being "played out" and his uniform being dirty and torn. A doctor was sent to Patrolman Campbell's home where contusions were discovered on his left shoulder, arm, chest, and back. After a period of five weeks of rest at home, he entered the Veterans Hospital in Pittsburgh due to the doctor's recommendation. After being a patient at the Veterans Hospital for additional six weeks Patrolman Campbell's health returned sufficiently, he returned back home and work where he was given a desk job to avoid any exertion due to doctor's orders. On December 30th, 1941, while performing his normal duties at the police station Patrolman Campbell stated he was not feeling well and was ordered to go home by the mayor. While at his home in the early morning Patrolman Campbell suffered a fatal heart attack.
In July 1945 a workmen's compensation case determined that his heart attack was related to the original assault six months earlier. Testimony from the doctors who treated Patrolman Campbell stated that the myocardial damage he suffered in the fight played a role in his heart attack six months later.
The subject who was arrested eight previous times was never charged following the death of Patrolman Campbell.
Patrolman Campbell was a U.S. Army veteran of WWI and had served with the Oakmont Borough Police Department for 4-1/2 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, mother, two brothers, and sister.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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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.
Patrolman Campbell gave the Oakmont Borough Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Oakmont 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 Clark Campbell served in the U.S. Army before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
James is the only officer of Oakmont Borough Police Department remembered here.
James is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 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 1941, 3 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 61st heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1941, 92 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 61st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1941, 260 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 42. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. James had served 4.5 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
James was 42. 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 4.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 42. 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 4.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 9.9% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Wednesdays: 15.4%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Oakmont Borough Police Department. The weapon recorded was person; alcohol involved, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person; alcohol involved, in 0.3% 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 person; alcohol involved, in 0% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person; alcohol involved, in 0% of these deaths.
Where
Military Service
James Clark Campbell served in the U.S. Army before joining law enforcement.
Visit James Clark Campbell’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
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