Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Robert Watford was shot and killed while sitting in his patrol car at Charlton Street and Bull Street. The suspect was an armed robbery suspect. The subject shot Patrolman Watford and then stole his badge and gun. The suspect, 22, was apprehended, convicted of murder, and sentenced to death. His sentence was later commuted to life. Patrolman Watford had served with the Savannah Police Department for only five months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-GA-DCBDDCF9- 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 Watford served with the Savannah Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Savannah community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Watford.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Robert D. Watford 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. Robert D. Watford's cause is highlighted.
How Robert D. Watford Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert D. Watford is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert D. Watford was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
30 officers from Savannah Police Dept. are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
