Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman James Roughen was shot in the back and killed while attempting to stop an illegal poker game. The suspect was arrested, convicted of murder, and executed in the electric chair on November 15, 1934. Patrolman Roughen had served with the Savannah Police Department for 16 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and seven children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-GA-8E039171- 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 Roughen gave the Savannah Police Department 16 years.
Thank you for your service to the Savannah community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Roughen.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman James E. Roughen 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 Savannah Police Dept., 21 of 31 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 67.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James E. Roughen's cause is highlighted.
How James E. Roughen Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 1934
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James E. Roughen is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James E. Roughen was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
30 officers from Savannah Police Dept. are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
