Roll of Honor
Incident
Captain Dopson was shot and killed after he and his partner responded to reports of gun shots in Cheatham's Alley. As Captain Dopson's partner exited their car a suspect opened fire on him with a rifle. One of the rounds struck the car and deflected into Captain Dopson's back, killing him. The suspect fled the scene but was later shot and killed by a detective as he attempted to shoot the Macon police chief. Captain Dopson had been promoted to the rank of Captain earlier in the day, but had not yet been told.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, parents, brother, and six sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-GA-5934E2BD- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Captain Dopson served with the Macon Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Macon community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Captain Dopson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Captain J. M. Dopson is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In GA, 549 of 905 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.7% of this state's fallen. That is 60.7 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Macon Police Department, 6 of 12 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. J. M. Dopson's cause is highlighted.
How J. M. Dopson Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. J. M. Dopson is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. J. M. Dopson was killed by rifle.
Others Who Wore This Badge
11 officers from Macon Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
