James Higgins served in the U.S. Army.
Detective Sergeant James Higgins was shot and killed while investigating a report of a suspicious person at the Central High School at 10th Street and Sassafras Street at 10:30 hours. After an initial investigation he returned to the station after finding nothing. He told another officer he was going to return to the school to check it a second time. While there the second time he encountered a man and he identified himself as a police officer. The suspect suddenly produced a handgun and shot him in the jaw. As he struggled with the suspect he was shot two more times in the chest. The suspect fled and was never apprehended. Detective Sergeant Higgins was a U.S. Army veteran of the Civil War and had served with the Erie Police Department for 23 years. He was survived by his wife and seven children. On April 1st, 2003, 98 years after his murder, Detective Sergeant Higgins was posthumously awarded the department's Medal of Honor.
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In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Detective Sergeant Higgins gave the Erie Police Department 23 years.
Thank you for your service to the Erie community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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