Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Benjamin Dowell was shot and killed as he stood on his post awaiting relief. As Patrolman Dowell stood on his post two men approached him. Patrolman Dowell had previously arrested one of the men and his sister. The suspect drew a revolver and before Patrolman Dowell could respond the suspect shot him in the stomach. Patrolman Dowell managed to return fire hitting the suspect in the arm. Patrolman Dowell was removed to the hospital where he died. The suspect was arrested, convicted of murder, and hanged on April 13, 1905. Patrolman Dowell had served with the agency for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-0513CD2F- 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.
Patrolman Dowell gave the Nashville City Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Nashville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Dowell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Benjamin F. Dowell 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 TN, 498 of 769 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 64.8% of this state's fallen. That is 10.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Nashville City Police Department, 16 of 22 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 72.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Benjamin F. Dowell's cause is highlighted.
How Benjamin F. Dowell Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 1905
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Benjamin F. Dowell is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Benjamin F. Dowell was killed by handgun; revolver.
Others Who Wore This Badge
21 officers from Nashville City Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
