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Incident
Patrolman John Wilson was shot and killed during a late-evening political rally at the intersection of High Street and Court Street. A group of drunk men started shooting, injuring two black people, during a Conservative Party of Portsmouth march. Patrolman Wilson attempted to intervene. Several people were arrested but no further information is known. Patrolman Wilson is believed to be one of the first black police officers to serve in the United States and to be one of the first black police officers ever killed in the line of duty.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
155 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Patrolman Wilson served with the Portsmouth Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Portsmouth community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Portsmouth Police Department has lost 10 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 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 1871, 1 officer at Portsmouth Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1871, 1 officer in VA was killed feloniously, the 92nd heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1871, 33 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 152nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1871, 35 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 152nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
November holds 16.7% of these deaths at Portsmouth Police Department, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.7%.
November holds 7.4% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Saturdays: 16%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 60% of all 10 deaths at Portsmouth Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 16.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 14.2% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Portsmouth Police Department has 10 officers remembered here, John among them.
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John Wilson Nov 11, 1871
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William S. Winningder
Aug 11, 1908
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Elridge Rochelle Story
Nov 30, 1936
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John J. Nobrega
Jan 29, 1958
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David W. Carpenter
Feb 7, 1967
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Earl Phillips Wilkins
Apr 9, 1968
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William Harvey Austin
Jun 18, 1969
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Joseph Martin Weth Jr.
May 28, 1982
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Garland Lindwood Joyner, Jr.
Mar 18, 1984
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Richard Lee Spaulding
Nov 23, 2005
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 60-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from Portsmouth Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
