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Incident
Police Officer John Graham was shot and killed while investigating shots fired near his boarding house.
He was found the next day with a gunshot wound and a crushed skull.
The two subjects who were arrested confessed. While in custody, they were taken from their jail cells by a mob and hanged. Sixteen men were indicted for killing the subjects, but when the first two were found not guilty, all charges were dropped.
Officer Graham had only served with the Sheffield Police Department for a few months.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Graham served with the Sheffield Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Sheffield community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Graham.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Sheffield Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 405 officers killed feloniously in AL, 63% of the 643 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
John 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 1918, 10 officers in AL were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1918, 165 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1918, 169 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 40. Of the 344 killed feloniously in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 49; the middle age was 40. John had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
John was 40. 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. John had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 40. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 8.9% of these deaths in AL; September holds the most, 9.9%. Thursdays: 13.6%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Sheffield Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63% of all 643 deaths in AL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 12.3% 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; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Sheffield Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 17-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Sheffield Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
