Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman James Roughen was shot in the back and killed while attempting to stop an illegal poker game. The suspect was arrested, convicted of murder, and executed in the electric chair on November 15, 1934. Patrolman Roughen had served with the Savannah Police Department for 16 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and seven children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-GA-8E039171- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew James. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Roughen gave the Savannah Police Department 16 years.
Thank you for your service to the Savannah community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Roughen.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman James E. Roughen 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 Savannah Police Department, 21 of 31 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 67.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James E. Roughen's cause is highlighted.
How James E. Roughen Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James E. Roughen is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James E. Roughen was killed by gun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
30 officers from Savannah Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
