Roll of Honor

Prev Next

Night Policeman

James Anderson Benge

Franklin Police Department — Franklin, OH

Felonious

End of Watch March 21, 1926

Age 55

Tour of Duty 19 yrs

The Vigil Panel 50 ›

Gender Male

Incident Service The Sacrifice Department 1

Incident

Night Policeman James Benge was shot and killed when he interrupted a burglary at the Thirkield Store at the corner of 4th Street and Main Street downtown Franklin.

He encountered two brothers coming out of the side door carrying stolen merchandise. One of the men opened fire on Policeman Benge, mortally wounding him. Despite his wound Policeman Benge was able to return fire and shot the subject. Both brothers, 21 and 22, were arrested.

The brother who shot Policeman Benge plead guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison. He was paroled on January 26, 1949. His brother, who also plead guilty to second degree murder, was paroled on June 1, 1940.

Policeman Benge was survived by his wife and son.

Survivors

Policeman Benge was survived by his wife and son.

In Our Keeping

Permanent identifier: BO-US-OH-9B791D25
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 James. 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.
Night Policeman Benge gave the Franklin Police Department 19 years.
Thank you for your service to the Franklin community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Night Policeman Benge.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

Agency

Department Franklin Police Department

Location Franklin, OH

Platform Identity fpd.warren.oh.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch March 21, 1926

Tour of Duty 19 yrs

Age 55

Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious

Cause Detail Gunfire

Weapon Handgun

Offender Paroled in 1949

Night Policeman James Anderson Benge 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 OH, 572 of 991 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.7% of this state's fallen. That is 3.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.

At Franklin Police Department, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.

Franklin Police Department

of 2 officers

100% Felonious

OH — Statewide

572

of 991 officers

57.7% Felonious

Nationwide

17,623

of 32,508 officers

54.2% Felonious

National Cause Distribution

How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Anderson Benge's cause is highlighted.

Felonious

17,623 (54.2%)

Accident

10,088 (31%)

Illness

2,974 (9.1%)

Cardiac

1,306 (4%)

Undetermined

260 (0.8%)

Suicide

256 (0.8%)

vehicular

1 (0%)

How James Anderson Benge Compares

Age at End of Watch

This officer

Avg for Felonious: 39.0 years

Years of Service

This officer

Avg for Felonious: 8.5 years

Offender Outcome

Paroled in 1949

When Felonious Deaths Occur

Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Anderson Benge is highlighted in Mar.

Jan

1,392

Feb

1,295

Mar

1,373

Apr

1,517

May

1,505

Jun

1,443

Jul

1,587

Aug

1,516

Sep

1,553

Oct

1,371

Nov

1,447

Dec

1,624

Weapons Used Against Officers

Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Anderson Benge was killed by handgun.

Gun; Unknown type

5,083

Handgun

2,077

Shotgun

922

Officer's handgun

909

Automobile; Alcohol involved

530

Rifle

518

Incident Location

Others Who Wore This Badge

1 officer from Franklin Police Department are honored on badge.nw.