Roll of Honor
Incident
Town Marshal Charles Davison was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a drunk man for creating a disturbance.
He had been causing a disturbance in the town's restricted district before going home and obtaining a revolver. He then returned and fired two shots in the air after making threatening statements directed towards police. The shots drew the attention of Marshal Davison, who then located the subject.
As Marshal Davison attempted to place him under arrest the man opened fire, striking the marshal. Despite being mortally wounded, Marshal Davison returned fire and wounded the subject. The man was arrested and charged with first degree murder.
The suspect was an ex-convict who served a sentence in the Montana Penitentiary for attempted murder. He was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 30 years. He was pardoned on February 20, 1921.
Marshal Davison was serving his third year as town marshal.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents, sister, and several brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MT-3642E53F- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Town Marshal Davison gave the Columbus Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Columbus community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Town Marshal Davison.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Town Marshal Charles E. Davison is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,756 officers honored here.
In MT, 93 of 142 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 65.5% of this state's fallen. That is 65.5 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Charles E. Davison's cause is highlighted.
How Charles E. Davison Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Charles E. Davison is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Charles E. Davison was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Columbus Police Department are honored on badge.nw.