Roll of Honor
Incident
Night Policeman James Benge was shot and killed when he interrupted a burglary at the Thirkield Store at the corner of 4th Street and Main Street downtown Franklin.
He encountered two brothers coming out of the side door carrying stolen merchandise. One of the men opened fire on Policeman Benge, mortally wounding him. Despite his wound Policeman Benge was able to return fire and shot the subject. Both brothers, 21 and 22, were arrested.
The brother who shot Policeman Benge plead guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison. He was paroled on January 26, 1949. His brother, who also plead guilty to second degree murder, was paroled on June 1, 1940.
Policeman Benge was survived by his wife and son.
Survivors
Policeman Benge was survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-9B791D25- 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.
Night Policeman Benge gave the Franklin Police Department 19 years.
Thank you for your service to the Franklin community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Night Policeman Benge.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Night Policeman James Anderson Benge 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 OH, 572 of 991 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.7% of this state's fallen. That is 57.7 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Franklin Police Department, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Anderson Benge's cause is highlighted.
How James Anderson Benge Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Anderson Benge is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Anderson Benge was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Franklin Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
