Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Chief Emmett Bright was shot and killed as he and another officer were attempting to arrest a man on drunk and disorderly charges.
As the officers were trying to wrestle the man into a patrol car, two men approached with a shotgun, demanding that the officers turn their friend loose, and then shot Chief Bright three times. Both men were apprehended a few hours later.
Both suspects were convicted of second degree murder on February 28, 1958. The suspect who shot Chief Bright was sentenced to 15 years in prison. His accomplice was sentenced to 13 years.
Thank you for your sacrifice. You will never be forgotten.
Chief Christopher Dillard Owens Cross Roads Police Department March 9th, 2013
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- 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.
Police Chief Bright served with the New Hope Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the New Hope community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Chief Bright.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Chief Emmett C. Bright 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 AL, 405 of 643 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63% of this state's fallen. That is 8.8 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Emmett C. Bright's cause is highlighted.
How Emmett C. Bright Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 15 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Emmett C. Bright is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Emmett C. Bright was killed by shotgun.