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Incident
Patrolman Wells was killed when his police motorcycle struck the side of a train at the Florida Avenue crossing. The locomotive was en route to Gulf Coast Community College for display, and there were no flashing lights or crossing gates at the intersection. Patrolman Wells had served with the Panama City Police Department for eight years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, son, parents, and two brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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 Wells gave the Panama City Police Department 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the Panama City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Wells.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Jerry is the only officer of Panama City Police Department remembered here.
Jerry is one of 315 officers lost to accidents in FL, 31.3% of the 1,007 remembered there.
Jerry is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Jerry is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1973, 4 officers in FL were lost to accidents, the 22nd heaviest of 95 years on record. The heaviest was 1981, with 9.
In 1973, 90 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 13th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1973, 106 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 13th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Jerry was 30. Of the 293 lost to accidents in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 35. Jerry had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Jerry was 30. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Jerry had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Jerry was 30. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Jerry had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 10.2% of these deaths in FL; February holds the most, 10.5%. Fridays: 15.2%.
August holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Fridays: 15.1%.
August holds 9.3% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Fridays: 15%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Panama City Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 31.3% of all 1,007 deaths in FL, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 16-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Panama City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.