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Incident
Chief of Police Bobby Powell was shot and killed after responding to a shooting call at 9:50 p.m. Officers arrived in the area to search for a man who was shooting his gun throughout the neighborhood. When Chief Powell located the subject on Gum Log Road, a scuffle ensued, and the subject shot Chief Powell twice before fleeing. Despite being mortally wounded, Chief Powell was able to crawl back to his patrol car and call for assistance. He was transported to Emanuel County Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds. The suspect was apprehended the following morning, convicted of murder, and sentenced to life in prison. Chief Powell had served with the Swainsboro Police Department for 8 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
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.
Chief of Police Powell gave the Swainsboro Police Department 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the Swainsboro community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Powell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Swainsboro Police Department has lost 4 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Bobby is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 remembered there.
Bobby is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Bobby 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 1980, 10 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
In 1980, 127 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1980, 141 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Bobby was 33. Of the 481 killed feloniously in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. Bobby had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Bobby was 33. 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. Bobby had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Bobby was 33. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Bobby had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 7.8% of these deaths in GA; December holds the most, 10.6%. Thursdays: 12%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Swainsboro Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.7% of all 905 deaths in GA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 19.3% 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 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Swainsboro Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Bobby among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 54-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Swainsboro Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
