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James Frank Surrency
Incident
Chief of Police James Surrency succumbed to gunshot wounds he received while responding to a murder scene on December 2, 1930. While off duty, Chief Surrency responded to a possible murder call at the residence of a man he knew. Within moments of his arrival, Chief Surrency was wounded by gunfire from the suspect. He was transported to a Jacksonville hospital, where he later died from five gunshot wounds. Other officers, responding to the scene, found that the suspect had killed two more people, a man and a woman. The suspect was convicted of three counts of murder and sentenced to life. He was denied parole in 1939 and was still in prison in 1940. Chief Surrency was a World War I veteran and had served with the Fernandina Beach Police Department for 20 years. At the time of his death, he held both the Police and Fire Chief positions. He was survived by his wife, three sons, and three grandsons. Chief Surrency was a World War I Veteran.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three sons, and three grandsons.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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.
Chief of Police Surrency gave the Fernandina Beach Police Department 20 years.
Thank you for your service to the Fernandina Beach 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
James Frank Surrency served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
James is the only officer of Fernandina Beach Police Department remembered here.
James is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.2% of the 1,007 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 1930, 8 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1930, 239 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1930, 241 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 43. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36. James had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
James was 43. 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 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 43. 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 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 9.3% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Mondays: 10.6%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.8%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Fernandina Beach Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.2% of all 1,007 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 23.7% 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.
Military Service
James Frank Surrency served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit James Frank Surrency’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 11-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Fernandina Beach Police Department are honored on badge.nw.