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Incident
Patrolman Hensley was shot and killed when he and his partner stopped a taxi cab for a traffic violation. Unbeknownst to the officer, the driver of the cab was an escaped convict from the penitentiary at McAlester. The man suddenly attacked the officers and gained control of Patrolman Hensley's partner's service revolver. He shot both officers, fatally wounding Patrolman Hensley. Patrolman Hensley returned fire critically wounding the suspect.
The suspect, who had served 18 months of a 30 year sentence for armed robbery, died from his wounds.
Patrolman Hensley had been with the agency for 12 years and was survived by his wife and two children.
Survivors
Patrolman Hensley had been with the agency for 12 years and was survived by his wife and two 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.
Patrolman Hensley gave the Muskogee Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Muskogee community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Hensley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Muskogee Police Department has lost 8 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 403 officers killed feloniously in OK, 69.2% of the 582 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, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1934, 2 officers at Muskogee Police Department were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1934, 14 officers in OK were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 15.
In 1934, 178 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1934, 179 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 50. Of the 6 killed feloniously at Muskogee Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 46.3 and 50.8; the middle age was 50. John had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
John was 50. Of the 335 killed feloniously in OK whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 49; the middle age was 42. John had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
John was 50. 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. John had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 50. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 16.7% of these deaths at Muskogee Police Department; December holds the most, 50%. Tuesdays: 33.3%.
July holds 10.4% of these deaths in OK; June holds the most, 11.4%. Tuesdays: 12.7%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 8 deaths at Muskogee Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.2% of all 582 deaths in OK, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 28% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Muskogee Police Department has 8 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 16-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Muskogee Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
