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Incident
Officer Paul Emerson was shot and killed when he and his partner surprised a burglar at a local business. When officers noticed the subject fleeing a closed business, they initiated a foot pursuit. The subject turned around and fired at the officers, striking Officer Emerson in the neck. His partner was able to apprehend the suspect and arrest him. The suspect was later convicted of murder with malice and sentenced to life. Officer Emerson had served with the Port Arthur Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three sons.
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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Officer Emerson gave the Port Arthur Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Port Arthur community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Emerson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Port Arthur Police Department has lost 7 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
Paul is one of 1,462 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,423 remembered there.
Paul is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Paul 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 1967, 1 officer at Port Arthur Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1967, 5 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1967, 105 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 48th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1967, 107 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 56th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Paul was 37. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Port Arthur Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 27 and 37; the middle age was 32. Paul had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 4.5 years.
Paul was 37. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Paul had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Paul was 37. 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. Paul had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Paul was 37. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Paul had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 50% of these deaths at Port Arthur Police Department, more than any other month. Thursdays: 33.3%.
August holds 8% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 85.7% of all 7 deaths at Port Arthur Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 16.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,423 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 14.2% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Port Arthur Police Department has 7 officers remembered here, Paul among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Port Arthur Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
