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Howard Edward Dutton
Incident
Deputy Dutton was shot and killed while responding to assist the Robertsdale Police Department on a suicide call. Deputy Dutton responded with several officers in the area behind a store off Chicago Street in Robertsdale. The suspect was sitting behind an abandoned building with a shotgun. While negotiating with officers, the suspect fired a single shot striking Deputy Dutton in the upper abdomen. Officers returned fire on the suspect striking him several times. Deputy Dutton was transported to South Baldwin Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Deputy Dutton had served with Baldwin County Sheriff's Office for four years and had previously served in the United States Army Reserve as a Master Sergeant.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and two sisters.
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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Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Army. One record, 2 gates. Howard 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.
Deputy Sheriff Dutton served with the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Bay Minette community, and 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
Howard Edward Dutton served in the U.S. Army before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Baldwin County Sheriff's Office has lost 5 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Howard is one of 405 officers killed feloniously in AL, 63% of the 643 remembered there.
Howard is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Howard 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 1987, 4 officers in AL were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 131 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 10.
In 1987, 97 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1987, 117 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Howard was 59. Of the 344 killed feloniously in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 49; the middle age was 40.
Howard 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.
Howard was 59. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
October holds 8.6% of these deaths in AL; September holds the most, 9.9%. Fridays: 14.6%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 80% of all 5 deaths at Baldwin County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63% of all 643 deaths in AL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 9.9% 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
Baldwin County Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, Howard among them.
Military Service
Howard Edward Dutton served in the U.S. Army before joining law enforcement.
Visit Howard Edward Dutton’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Baldwin County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
