Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Roper was shot and killed by a man who was seeking revenge for previous encounters with the officer. The man snuck up and shot Patrolman Roper as he patrolled the train depot. The suspect was apprehended, convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 15 years. At a second trial, granted by the Tennessee Supreme Court, he was again convicted of second degree murder but sentenced to 10 years. In 1922 a third trial was granted that resulted in a mistrial. A forth trial was ordered but the outcome is unknown.
Survivors
Patrolman Roper was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-855E0E25- 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.
Patrolman Roper served with the Union City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Union City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Roper.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Oscar T. Roper 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 TN, 498 of 769 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 64.8% of this state's fallen. That is 64.8 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Union City Police Department, 4 of 4 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. Oscar T. Roper's cause is highlighted.
How Oscar T. Roper Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Oscar T. Roper is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Oscar T. Roper was killed by shotgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Union City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
