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Incident
Town Marshal John Speed was accidentally shot and killed while he and a posse were searching for a suspect. Marshal Speed had served with the Union Police Department for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Town Marshal Speed gave the Union Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Union community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Town Marshal Speed.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Union Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
John is one of 89 officers lost to accidents in MS, 25.4% of the 350 remembered there.
John is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1937, 1 officer in MS was lost to accidents, the 20th heaviest of 64 years on record. The heaviest was 1989, with 4.
In 1937, 95 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 10th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1937, 109 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 8th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
John was 57. Of the 83 lost to accidents in MS whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 52; the middle age was 43. John had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
John was 57. 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. John had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 57. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. John had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 11.2% of these deaths in MS; May holds the most, 16.9%. Saturdays: 15.7%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Union Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 25.4% of all 350 deaths in MS, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 1.1% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 0.1% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 0.1% of these deaths.
His people
Union Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 4-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Union Police Department are honored on badge.nw.