Prev
Incident
Patrolman Arthur Bower was shot and killed by burglary suspects. Patrolman Bower and another officer were sent to the western part of town, where it was reported that five men were breaking into a building on Lowell Boulevard. The officers found that the suspects had left the building, and the officers started toward Lawrence to try to locate them. A few miles away, they stopped a car without lights. While Patrolman Bower was talking to the driver, he was shot. Both officers emptied their revolvers at the suspects as they fled in their automobile. Patrolman Bower was a WWI Purple Heart veteran and had served with the Methuen Police Department before and after the war.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and six brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqyjesh3pc6a9512v99x- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Arthur. Claim this record.
Also honored at salute.nw. One record, 2 gates. Arthur is one person.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
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.
Patrolman Bower gave the Methuen Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Methuen 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
Arthur J. Bower served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Methuen Police Department has lost 5 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Arthur is one of 199 officers killed feloniously in MA, 42.4% of the 469 remembered there.
Arthur is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Arthur 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 1923, 3 officers in MA were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 107 years on record. The heaviest was 1908, with 6.
In 1923, 199 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1923, 200 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Arthur was 31. Of the 195 killed feloniously in MA whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 52.5; the middle age was 42. Arthur had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 11 years.
Arthur was 31. 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. Arthur had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Arthur was 31. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Arthur had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 8% of these deaths in MA; October holds the most, 10.6%. Wednesdays: 14.6%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 80% of all 5 deaths at Methuen Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 75% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 42.4% of all 469 deaths in MA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 27.6% 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
Methuen Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, Arthur among them.
Military Service
Arthur J. Bower served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit Arthur J. Bower’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 36-W
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Methuen Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
