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Incident
Patrolman James England was shot and killed with his own service weapon at the Veterans Administration Medical Center on Elm Street. When a man went to the police station reporting that a gang was following him, Patrolman England was assigned to accompany him to the medical center. Upon arriving at the location, the man grabbed Patrolman England's gun, and a struggle ensued, and Patrolman England was shot in the stomach. He was transferred to St. Luke's Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds. The suspect, 32, was committed to Bridgewater State Mental Hospital for life. Patrolman England had served with the New Bedford Police Department for eight years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman England gave the New Bedford Police Department 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the New Bedford community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman England.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
New Bedford Police Department has lost 4 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 199 officers killed feloniously in MA, 42.4% of the 469 remembered there.
James is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1955, 2 officers in MA were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 107 years on record. The heaviest was 1908, with 6.
In 1955, 53 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 135th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1955, 53 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 139th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 40. Of the 195 killed feloniously in MA whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 52.5; the middle age was 42. James had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 11 years.
James was 40. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 40. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 10.6% of these deaths in MA; October holds the most, 10.6%. Wednesdays: 14.6%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 25% of all 4 deaths at New Bedford Police Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 42.4% of all 469 deaths in MA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 4.5% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
New Bedford Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 32-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from New Bedford Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
