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Incident
Officer James Hinkley was shot and killed at 2 am at 521 South Jefferson Street in Mason. Officer Hinkley was escorting a woman home from work at a restaurant who was fearful of her estranged husband's threats. The estranged husband attacked the two, and Officer Hinkley was shot in the stomach with a 12-gauge shotgun. Although mortally wounded, Officer Hinkley returned fire and killed the suspect. Officer Hinkley had served with the Mason Police Department for two years and had previously served with the Michigan State Constabulary during WWI.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, two brothers, and two sisters.
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.
Police Officer Hinkley gave the Mason Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Mason community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Hinkley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
James is the only officer of Mason Police Department remembered here.
James is one of 415 officers killed feloniously in MI, 59% of the 703 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1938, 3 officers in MI were killed feloniously, the 41st heaviest of 124 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 14.
In 1938, 111 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 45th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1938, 113 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 51st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 52. Of the 400 killed feloniously in MI whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 42; the middle age was 35. James had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
James was 52. 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. James had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 52. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 9.2% of these deaths in MI; December holds the most, 12.3%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Mason Police Department. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 59% of all 703 deaths in MI, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 22-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Mason Police Department are honored on badge.nw.