Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman James Duffy was shot and killed while responding to a call for assistance from another officer. The other officer was attempting to arrest a group of people who were causing a disturbance while joyriding in a hack.
As Policeman Duffy approached the hack one of the men inside opened fire on him with a .38 caliber pistol, striking him twice.
The suspects were taken into custody by other officers. The shooter was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. On November 1, 1921, he was pardoned by Governor Robert Cooper who stated he had his doubts as to who did the shooting.
Policeman Duffy had served with the agency for 6 years. He was survived by his wife and two daughters and is buried in St. Lawrence Cemetery, Charleston, South Carolina.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two daughters and is buried in St.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-SC-06A2D179- 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.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Policeman Duffy gave the Charleston Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Charleston community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Duffy.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman James J. Duffy 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 SC, 271 of 438 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.9% of this state's fallen. That is 7.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Charleston Police Dept., 12 of 24 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James J. Duffy's cause is highlighted.
How James J. Duffy Compares
Offender Outcome
Pardoned in 1921
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James J. Duffy is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James J. Duffy was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.
Others Who Wore This Badge
23 officers from Charleston Police Dept. are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
