Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer Towler was shot and killed while investigating a suspicious person near the intersection of Porter and Vinewood. As Officer Towler patrolled his beat he noticed that the man had been in the same location for several hours. He decided to question the man but as he approached the man began to walk away. The suspect suddenly turned around and shot Officer Towler five times.
Survivors
Officer Towler had served with the Detroit Police Department for three years and was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MI-A38F906E- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Norman. 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.
Police Officer Towler gave the Detroit Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Detroit community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Towler.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Norman Frank Towler 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 MI, 426 of 718 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 59.3% of this state's fallen. That is 5.1 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Detroit Police Department, 177 of 250 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 70.8% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Norman Frank Towler's cause is highlighted.
How Norman Frank Towler Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Norman Frank Towler is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Norman Frank Towler was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
249 officers from Detroit Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
