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Incident
Chief of Police James Durand succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained two months earlier when was shot while investigating claims from a woman that a man had been harassing her.
After Chief Durand spoke to the suspect the man went and obtained a pistol. He then located Chief Durand and shot him in the back. Chief Durand was taken to a hospital in Anniston where he remained until dying on January 22nd, 1909.
The suspect was apprehended in Gulfport, Mississippi, in August of 1912. He was charged with murder but released after two mistrials.
Chief of Police Durand had served with the Hobson City Police Department for 10 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, and sister.
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 Durand gave the Hobson City Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Hobson City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Durand.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
James is the only officer of Hobson City Police Department remembered here.
James is one of 405 officers killed feloniously in AL, 63% of the 643 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 1909, 4 officers in AL were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 131 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 10.
In 1909, 99 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 52nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1909, 103 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 56. Of the 344 killed feloniously in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 49; the middle age was 40. James had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
James was 56. 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 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 56. 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 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 9.4% of these deaths in AL; September holds the most, 9.9%. Fridays: 14.6%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Hobson City Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63% of all 643 deaths in AL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 19.8% 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 62-E
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