Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Marshal Ben Porch was shot and killed by a suspect who he had arrested earlier in the day. The man had been released from jail, obtained a shotgun, and then setup an ambush for the marshal. As Marshal Porch made his rounds on Market Street at 3:00 am the suspect opened fire, striking Marshal Porch in the leg and hip. Several residents, including the city's mayor, heard the shots and Marshal Porch's groans. The mayor found him on the street and transported him to his home where he died three days later. Before dying, Marshal Porch was able to identify the suspect, who was several days later. The 18-year-old suspect was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to 15 years in prison November 27th, 1908. He was paroled in 1916. Marshal Porch had served with the Barnesville Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-GA-9B49CD4B- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Marshal Porch gave the Barnesville Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Barnesville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Marshal Porch.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Marshal Ben Porch is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In GA, 548 of 903 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.7% of this state's fallen. That is 6.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Ben Porch's cause is highlighted.
How Ben Porch Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 15 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Ben Porch is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Ben Porch was killed by shotgun.