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Incident
Patrolman David Douglass was shot and killed while responding to a report of a burglar in the area of Sunnyside Avenue and Fieldview Avenue. Patrolman Douglass was involved in a foot pursuit of the suspect, who had just set a house on fire when the man turned and shot him. Patrolman Douglass returned fire, striking the suspect in the hand. He was able to make it back to his patrol car to call for assistance but succumbed to his wounds. The 49-year-old suspect who shot him was arrested six weeks later at his home in New York City. He pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to life. He was granted parole in 2024 after serving the minimum amount of time. Patrolman Douglass had served with the Lower Township Police Department for 18 years, as well as serving as a Lieutenant on the Town Bank Fire Department. He helped create the Lower Township SWAT team, he was an instructor at the Cape May County Police Academy and a past president of the Policeman's Benevolent Association.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, and step-daughter.
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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Douglass gave the Lower Township Police Department 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the Erma community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Douglass.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
David is the only officer of Lower Township Police Department remembered here.
David is one of 264 officers killed feloniously in NJ, 40.8% of the 647 remembered there.
David is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
David 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 1994, 2 officers in NJ were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 101 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 39.
In 1994, 93 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 59th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1994, 99 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 63rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
David was 34. Of the 247 killed feloniously in NJ whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. David had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
David was 34. 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. David had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David was 34. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. David had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 7.6% of these deaths in NJ; September holds the most, 23.9%. Fridays: 14.4%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Lower Township Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 40.8% of all 647 deaths in NJ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.5% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Lower Township Police Department are honored on badge.nw.