Roll of Honor
Adolphus M. Biggers
Incident
Location: Ohio Incident Date: Friday, February 8, 1918 Weapon: Handgun Offender: Shot and wounded
Detective Adolphus Biggers succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained one week earlier in the railroad yards in downtown Toledo, Ohio while attempting to arrest a thief.
He and his uncle, who was also a railroad detective, were notified that a man had been spotted breaking into a rail car. When the detectives arrived at the location they found evidence of the break-in but could not locate the suspect. As they prepared to leave they spotted the stolen merchandise hidden under a wooden platform.
Both detectives waited nearby for the suspect to return to retrieve the merchandise near the modern-day intersection of 11th Street and Vance Street. A few minutes later the man returned and began loading a sack with the items. When the detectives approached him he immediately pulled out a gun and opened fire, striking Detective Biggers in the abdomen.
Despite being mortally wounded, Detective Biggers returned fire and struck the suspect. The man fled but was shot again by the other detective during the second exchange of gunfire.
Detective Biggers was taken to a local hospital where he remained until passing away several days later.
Detective Biggers had served with the Toledo, St. Louis and Western Railroad Police Department, RR for three years.
Rest In Peace Brother LEO. You are not forgotten on the 100th anniversary of your EOW.
Officer Mike Robinson (Ret) Upland Police Dept. CA February 15th, 2018
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- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Railroad Detective Biggers gave the Toledo, St. Louis and Western Railroad Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Toledo community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Railroad Detective Biggers.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Railroad Detective Adolphus M. Biggers 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 Toledo, St. Louis and Western Railroad 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.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Adolphus M. Biggers's cause is highlighted.
How Adolphus M. Biggers Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and wounded
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Adolphus M. Biggers is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Adolphus M. Biggers was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Toledo, St. Louis and Western Railroad Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
