Roll of Honor
Incident
Chief of Police Bobby Powell was shot and killed after responding to a shooting call at 9:50 p.m. Officers arrived in the area to search for a man who was shooting his gun throughout the neighborhood. When Chief Powell located the subject on Gum Log Road, a scuffle ensued, and the subject shot Chief Powell twice before fleeing. Despite being mortally wounded, Chief Powell was able to crawl back to his patrol car and call for assistance. He was transported to Emanuel County Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds. The suspect was apprehended the following morning, convicted of murder, and sentenced to life in prison. Chief Powell had served with the Swainsboro Police Department for 8 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-GA-D05DB18B- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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.
Chief of Police Powell gave the Swainsboro Police Department 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the Swainsboro community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Powell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Chief of Police Bobby Gene Powell 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%.
At Swainsboro Police Department, 2 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Bobby Gene Powell's cause is highlighted.
How Bobby Gene Powell Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Bobby Gene Powell is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Bobby Gene Powell was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Swainsboro Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
