Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Chapman was shot and killed by a suspect he had arrested earlier in the day. Patrolman Chapman had arrested the 60-year-old suspect for public drunkenness. After being released from custody, the suspect returned home and obtained a handgun. He later confronted Patrolman Chapman in downtown Rockland. The suspect pointed the gun at Patrolman Chapman and said, "How quick are you on the draw?" Before Patrolman Chapman could react, the suspect shot him once in the head, killing him. The suspect was caught hours later and confessed to the crime at a little before 1 AM. After a brief committal in the state psychiatric hospital in Bangor, he pleaded guilty to murder in May 1938 and was sentenced to life imprisonment. He was denied a pardon on June 7, 1951.
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- 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.
Patrolman Chapman served with the Rockland Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Rockland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Chapman.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman John Chapman 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 ME, 43 of 102 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 42.2% of this state's fallen. That is 42.2 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Rockland 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. John Chapman's cause is highlighted.
How John Chapman Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Chapman is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Chapman was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Rockland Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
