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Incident
Patrolman John McCord was shot five times at close range while investigating a suspicious person. He was being taken to his home by an on-duty officer after finishing shift when the figure of a man was seen in a vacant lot at the corner of Jordan Street and East Cambridge Street. When the officers turned the spotlight on the man, he began running. Patrolman McCord pursued and was shot while capturing the fleeing man. The subject was immediately captured by the second officer. The suspect was tried and acquitted. He testified he was chasing a dog when someone among a crowd of people standing beside the road hit him on the head. He said he turned and fired his gun. He said he learned later he killed Patrolman McCord. Patrolman McCord had served with the Greenwood Police Department for 13 years.
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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 McCord gave the Greenwood Police Department 13 years.
Thank you for your service to the Greenwood community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman McCord.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Greenwood Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 272 officers killed feloniously in SC, 61.5% of the 442 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1941, 3 officers in SC were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 119 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 7.
In 1941, 92 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 61st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1941, 260 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 5.3 years.
John had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 9.9% of these deaths in SC; July holds the most, 10.7%. Fridays: 15.4%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Greenwood Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.5% of all 442 deaths in SC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 21% 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 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Greenwood Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 33-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Greenwood Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
