Roll of Honor
Incident
Location: Alabama Weapon: Gun; Unknown type Offender: Two shot and killed
Special Policeman J.H. Crawford was shot and killed in Birmingham, Alabama while confronting three men on a railroad track near 9th Avenue and 27th Street.
After being shot his body was placed on the railroad track and was subsequently struck by a train. Two suspects were found dead a short distance away and it is believed Policeman Crawford shot them during the shootout.
Policeman Crawford had served with the Southern Railroad Police Department for 18 months and had previously served as marshal of the Irondale Police Department.
Rest in Peace Special Officer J.H. Crawford. Thank You for your Service and Sacrifice protecting America's steel roadways. I Pray for Peace for your Family, Friends and Co-Workers. I also Pray that the hounds of hell forever gnaw at the flesh of your murderers.
Amen
Senior Special Agent B.L. Sherwood Port Terminal Railroad Police Houston,TX February 16th, 2016
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- 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.
Special Policeman Crawford served with the Southern Railway Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Washington community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Policeman Crawford.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Special Policeman J. H. Crawford 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 DC, 754 of 1,419 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53.1% of this state's fallen. That is 1.1 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Southern Railway Police Department, 17 of 18 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 94.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. J. H. Crawford's cause is highlighted.
How J. H. Crawford Compares
Offender Outcome
Two shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. J. H. Crawford is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. J. H. Crawford was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
17 officers from Southern Railway Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
