Prev
Incident
Constable Wayne Coram was shot and killed after arresting two brothers in the West Bay area of the county. He had encountered the two in an area of West Bay known as the "Y" and placed them under arrest for being drunk. He searched one of the men but not the second man. As he drove them to jail, the subject he didn't search, who was a former police officer, drew a concealed weapon and instructed Constable Coram to drive them back to their car. When they arrived back at the car, Constable Coram assisted in waving down another motorist and asked him to go for help. He then jumped from the car and exchanged shots with the subject. After being struck by one of the rounds, the second brother took Constable Coram's gun and shot him a second time. Both men were arrested following a 20-mile pursuit. The ex-police officer was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 30 years in 1952. Two years later, the Florida Supreme Court threw out the conviction and ordered a new trial. Charges against his brother were dismissed. Constable Coram was the elected constable for the Beaches and West Bay area of the county. He was survived by his wife, three sons, one daughter, 10 grandchildren, and his sister. His son, three grandsons, and two great-grandsons went on to serve in law enforcement.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three sons, one daughter, 10 grandchildren, and his sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtmrsgtz9bv1y8s6kk31g- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Wayne. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Constable Coram gave the Bay County Constable's Office 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Panama City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Coram.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Bay County Constable's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Wayne is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.3% of the 1,006 remembered there.
Wayne is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Wayne is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1951, 4 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 48th heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1951, 65 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 113th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1951, 69 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Wayne was 60. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36. Wayne had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Wayne was 60. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Wayne had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Wayne was 60. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Wayne had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 4.9% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Saturdays: 20.1%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Bay County Constable's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.3% of all 1,006 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 19% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Bay County Constable's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Wayne among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 29-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Bay County Constable's Office are honored on badge.nw.