Incident
Patrolman Forbish was shot and killed while assisting other officers taking a suspected car thief into custody. Patrolman Forbish was off duty at the time, but went to the aid of his fellow officers. The prisoner they were taking into custody pointed out one of his accomplices nearby and Patrolman Forbish immediately approached the man. The suspect suddenly produced a handgun and opened fire, mortally wounding Patrolman Forbish, who died the next morning. The suspect was convicted of first degree murder and hanged on December 23, 1927.
Survivors
Patrolman Forbish was survived by his brother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MS-FFC75287- 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.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Forbish served with the Vicksburg Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Vicksburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Forbish.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Robert Forbish 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 MS, 242 of 349 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 69.3% of this state's fallen. That is 15.1 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Vicksburg 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. Robert Forbish's cause is highlighted.
How Robert Forbish Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 1927
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert Forbish is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert Forbish was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Vicksburg Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
