Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman O'Brien and Sergeant William Flynn were shot and killed while conducting a liquor raid at 9 Booth Street. The suspect shot both officers in the back and then retreated into a bedroom. Although both officers were mortally wounded, they stood guard where the suspect had barricaded himself while other officers ran to get help. Once the suspect was in custody both officers were taken to Rhode Island Hospital where they died of their wounds. The suspect was convicted of their murders and served 30 years in the State Penitentiary. Patrolman O'Brien was assigned to the "Flying Squad" and had been with the agency for 14 years.
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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.
Patrolman O'Brien gave the Providence Police Department 14 years.
Thank you for your service to the Providence community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman O'Brien.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman James H. O'Brien 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 RI, 25 of 55 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 45.5% of this state's fallen. That is 8.7 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Providence Police Department, 5 of 9 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 55.6% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James H. O'Brien's cause is highlighted.
How James H. O'Brien Compares
Offender Outcome
Apprehended
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James H. O'Brien is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James H. O'Brien was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Providence Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
