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Incident
Chief of Police James Kirwin succumbed to wounds sustained six years earlier when he was struck in the head with a hatchet while attempting to make an arrest of a drunk man.
Chief Kirwin and other officers had gone to a barn in the downtown district after being notified that a man inside had assaulted another man with the hatchet.
When Chief Kirwin arrived at the barn he was struck in the head. The subject then struck the other officer in the arm. The officer shot the man once but did not immediately stop him. When the man lunged at the officer again, he emptied his revolver at the man, killing him.
Chief Kirwin was survived by his wife, daughter, and son.
Survivors
Chief Kirwin was survived by his wife, daughter, and son.
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 Kirwin served with the Crisfield Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Crisfield community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Kirwin.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Crisfield Police Department has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 195 officers killed feloniously in MD, 51.6% of the 378 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, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1930, 1 officer in MD was killed feloniously, the 56th heaviest of 104 years on record. The heaviest was 2000, with 6.
In 1930, 239 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1930, 241 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 66. Of the 178 killed feloniously in MD whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 43.8; the middle age was 35.
James was 66. 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 was 66. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
April holds 7.7% of these deaths in MD; June holds the most, 11.8%. Fridays: 12.8%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Crisfield Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; hatchet, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.6% of all 378 deaths in MD, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; hatchet, in 0.5% 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 edged weapon; hatchet, in 0% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; hatchet, in 0% of these deaths.
His people
Crisfield Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 25-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Crisfield Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
