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Incident
Patrolman Edward Holmes succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained on August 30th, 1865, when he was shot in the abdomen by a man whom he had attempted to serve a warrant on.
He had been given a warrant to serve on the subject, who had stolen luggage from a local hotel the previous day. The man resisted arrest when Patrolman Holmes attempted to arrest him and a struggle ensued. Several of the man's friends then interfered with the arrest and were able to help the man escape.
Patrolman Holmes obtained additional warrants for the man and his friends for resisting arrest. When the subject learned of the additional warrants he purchased a revolver. Later that evening Patrolman Holmes and another officer located the man at Fends Cellar, on Main Street, and again attempted to arrest him. The man again resisted arrest and then shot Patrolman Holmes in the abdomen before fleeing.
The man was arrested the following day.
Patrolman Holmes was taken to his home where his condition deteriorated until he passed away on September 23rd, 1865.
The subject was convicted of larceny and murder and sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Patrolman Holmes had been appointed to the Johnstown Police Department the day before being shot.
Patrolman Edward Holmes succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained on August 30th, 1865, when he was shot in the abdomen by a man whom he had attempted to serve a warrant on.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
161 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Patrolman Holmes served with the Johnstown Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Johnstown community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Johnstown Police Department has lost 9 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Edward is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Edward is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Edward is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1865, 1 officer in PA was killed feloniously, the 120th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1865, 15 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 165th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1865, 16 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 168th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Edward was 35. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Edward had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Edward was 35. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Edward had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Edward was 35. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Edward had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 10.5% of these deaths in PA, more than any other month. Saturdays: 15.2%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 44.4% of all 9 deaths at Johnstown Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 0.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 0.8% of these deaths.
His people
Johnstown Police Department has 9 officers remembered here, Edward among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 14-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Johnstown Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
