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Incident
Assistant Chief John Oaks was struck and killed by a vehicle while investigating a single-vehicle crash at the intersection of Crawford Road and Opelika Road.
He was standing next to the wrecked car when an approaching vehicle lost control and struck him, crushing him between the two vehicles. The driver of the vehicle that struck him was arrested and charged with murder.
Assistant Chief Oaks had served with the Phenix City Police Department and Girard Police Department for 10 years and was scheduled to retire three months later.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Assistant Chief Oaks gave the Phenix City Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Phenix City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Assistant Chief Oaks.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Phenix City Police Department has lost 4 officers; 3 of them lost to accidents.
John is one of 182 officers lost to accidents in AL, 28.3% of the 643 remembered there.
John is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1941, 3 officers in AL were lost to accidents, the 14th heaviest of 85 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 6.
In 1941, 68 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 54th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1941, 90 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 38th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
John was 70. Of the 160 lost to accidents in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 47.3; the middle age was 36.5. John had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
John was 70. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. John had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 70. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. John had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 13.2% of these deaths in AL, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 8.2%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
July holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Phenix City Police Department, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 28.3% of all 643 deaths in AL, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Phenix City Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 62-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Phenix City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
