Incident
Patrolman Honore Dutremble was shot and killed after stopping a stolen vehicle. After observing a vehicle that had been stolen two days earlier in Portland, Maine, Patrolman Dutremble approached the vehicle and contacted the operator. The 20-year-old suspect shot him twice with a .38 caliber revolver. Patrolman Dutremble died while en route to the hospital. The suspect was captured a short time later following a pursuit by Portland Police and was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. Patrolman Dutremble's 9-year-old son, working his paper route on South Street, was 100 yards away and saw his father fall. On March 27, 1952, the suspect was transferred to the Augusta State Mental Hospital. He escaped three days later but was quickly captured. In September of 1957, he escaped again and was captured. Patrolman Dutremble had served with the Biddeford Police Department for four years. He was survived by his wife and 12 children. His 9-year-old son served terms as a city councilman, county commissioner, mayor, and a Maine state representative and worked most of his life to improve living conditions for the poor. He often talked about how hard it was for his mother to take care of him and his 11 siblings with the $17.50 per month awarded to her by the state.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and 12 children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-ME-84391143- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Honore. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Dutremble gave the Biddeford Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Biddeford community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Dutremble.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Honore "Henri" Dutremble 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 ME, 43 of 102 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 42.2% of this state's fallen. That is 12 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Biddeford Police Department, 1 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 33.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Honore "Henri" Dutremble's cause is highlighted.
How Honore "Henri" Dutremble Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Honore "Henri" Dutremble is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Honore "Henri" Dutremble was killed by handgun; .32 caliber.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Biddeford Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
