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Incident
Patrolman James Golden succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained the previous day while attempting to arrest two men who were fighting outside of a saloon near the intersection of Chestnut Street and Willow Street.
One of the subjects resisted arrest and struggled with Patrolman Golden. The man's brother then retrieved a .32 caliber revolver from inside of a nearby barber shop and handed it to the man, who then shot Patrolman Golden in the torso. Patrolman Golden was taken to Lackawanna Hospital where he died the following day.
The subject fled the country to his native Italy following the murder. He was recognized in Italy as a suspect in a murder that occurred 13 years prior. He then fled to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where hew as arrested in November 1905. The Lackawanna County commissioners denied the money needed to extradite him from Argentina and the man was eventually released from custody. He was never extradited or tried for Patrolman Golden's murder.
Patrolman Golden had served with the Dunmore Borough Police Department for only four months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Golden served with the Dunmore Borough Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Dunmore community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Golden.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
James is the only officer of Dunmore Borough Police Department remembered here.
James is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 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, 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 1900, 4 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 44th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1900, 86 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 74th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1900, 89 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 77th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 38. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. James had served 0.3 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
James was 38. 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 had served 0.3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 38. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 0.3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 8.5% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Wednesdays: 15.4%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Dunmore Borough Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 27.3% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 7-E
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