Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Joseph Doane was assaulted and killed while on patrol. While trying to break up a fight at the New Ocean House hotel, he was kicked and suffered a ruptured spleen. Patrolman Doane was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII and had served with the Swampscott Police Department for eight years. He was survived by his wife and two children. Doane Bridge, which carries the Danvers Road across the railroad tracks from Essex Street, was named in his memory.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MA-59901E53- 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Doane gave the Swampscott Police Department 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the Swampscott community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Joseph Howard Doane served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Patrolman Joseph Howard Doane 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 MA, 199 of 469 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 42.4% of this state's fallen. That is 11.8 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Swampscott Police Department, 1 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Joseph Howard Doane's cause is highlighted.
How Joseph Howard Doane Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Joseph Howard Doane is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Joseph Howard Doane was killed by person.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Swampscott Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
