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Incident
Patrolman Charles Fenton succumbed to gunshot wounds received two days earlier while attempting to arrest three armed robbery suspects at a home on Columbia Street. He was ambushed by the three men and shot. He was taken to St. Luke's Hospital where he later succumbed to his wounds. All three suspects were arrested on December 9, 1927, in Cleveland Ohio after they robbed a gambling joint of $4000.00. Two weeks later all three were convicted of robbery and sentenced to 12 years in prison. Patrolman Fenton had served with the Bethlehem Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two sons, parents and nine siblings.
In Our Keeping
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- 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 Fenton gave the Bethlehem Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Bethlehem community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Fenton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Bethlehem Police Department has lost 5 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Charles is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Charles is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charles 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 1927, 14 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1927, 220 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1927, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Charles was 27. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Charles had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Charles was 27. 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. Charles had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 27. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 9.4% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Mondays: 14.5%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 40% of all 5 deaths at Bethlehem Police Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 18.4% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Bethlehem Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, Charles among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 43-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Bethlehem Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
