Roll of Honor
Incident
Special Policeman John Babb was shot and killed by a 16 year-old boy inside the boy's home when he attempted to arrest him on a warrant for incorrigibility.
The suspect attempted to murder his parents by putting broken glass in their food. As Policeman Babb ascended the stairway, the suspect armed with a shotgun, fired a load of birdshot into his head, killing him instantly. The West Chester Police Chief along with several officers went to the scene and arrested the suspect.
The suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to 5 to 20 years in Eastern Penitentiary.
No passage of time will ever erase your service and sacrifice. Rest in peace always.
Cpl/3 Detective Steven Rizzo Delaware State Police Retired December 31st, 2020
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BO-US-PA-E6A938DB- Stewardship
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- 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.
Special Policeman Babb served with the West Chester Borough Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the West Chester community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Policeman Babb.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Special Policeman John Babb 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 PA, 597 of 1,261 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 47.3% of this state's fallen. That is 47.3 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John Babb's cause is highlighted.
How John Babb Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Babb is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Babb was killed by shotgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from West Chester Borough Police Department are honored on badge.nw.