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Incident
Captain Dopson was shot and killed after he and his partner responded to reports of gun shots in Cheatham's Alley. As Captain Dopson's partner exited their car a suspect opened fire on him with a rifle. One of the rounds struck the car and deflected into Captain Dopson's back, killing him. The suspect fled the scene but was later shot and killed by a detective as he attempted to shoot the Macon police chief. Captain Dopson had been promoted to the rank of Captain earlier in the day, but had not yet been told.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, parents, brother, and six sisters.
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.
Captain Dopson served with the Macon Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Macon community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Captain Dopson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Macon Police Department has lost 12 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
J. is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 remembered there.
J. is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
J. 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 1938, 1 officer at Macon Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1938, 6 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 20th heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
In 1938, 111 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 45th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1938, 113 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 51st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
May holds 16.7% of these deaths at Macon Police Department; June holds the most, 33.3%. Wednesdays: 16.7%.
May holds 8.6% of these deaths in GA; December holds the most, 10.6%. Wednesdays: 12.4%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 12 deaths at Macon Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.7% of all 905 deaths in GA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 3.8% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Macon Police Department has 12 officers remembered here, J. among them.
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Thomas Fletcher Thompson Jan 2, 1921
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Sam B. Arnold Dec 15, 1927
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Carl E. Leonard Jun 20, 1934
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Robert L. Smith Jul 22, 1934
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J. M. Dopson May 11, 1938
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J. Grady Favors
Aug 20, 1942
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Walter L. O'Cain Jun 11, 1948
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Thomas Roscoe Hinson Jun 21, 1965
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Kenneth G. Howe Oct 6, 1967
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Donald James Mander
Aug 23, 1986
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Walter Lee Harden, Sr.
May 11, 1987
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Preston Kinney Jones
Oct 27, 1989
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
11 officers from Macon Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
