J. M. Dopson

Macon Police Department — Macon, GA

Felonious

End of Watch May 11, 1938

The Vigil Panel 74 ›

Gender Male

Incident Service The Sacrifice Department 11

Incident

Captain Dopson was shot and killed after he and his partner responded to reports of gun shots in Cheatham's Alley. As Captain Dopson's partner exited their car a suspect opened fire on him with a rifle. One of the rounds struck the car and deflected into Captain Dopson's back, killing him. The suspect fled the scene but was later shot and killed by a detective as he attempted to shoot the Macon police chief. Captain Dopson had been promoted to the rank of Captain earlier in the day, but had not yet been told.

Survivors

He was survived by his wife, son, parents, brother, and six sisters.

In Our Keeping

Permanent identifier: BO-US-GA-5934E2BD
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.
Captain Dopson served with the Macon Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Macon community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Captain Dopson.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

Agency

Department Macon Police Department

Location Macon, GA

Platform Identity mpd.bibb.ga.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch May 11, 1938

Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious

Weapon Rifle

Offender Shot and killed

Captain J. M. Dopson 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 GA, 548 of 903 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.7% of this state's fallen. That is 6.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.

At Macon Police Department, 6 of 12 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.

Macon Police Department

of 12 officers

50% Felonious

GA — Statewide

548

of 903 officers

60.7% Felonious

Nationwide

17,623

of 32,508 officers

54.2% Felonious