Prev
Incident
Deputy Sheriff John Owens was shot and killed as he and his driver responded to a call regarding a man armed with a pistol.
Deputy Owens confronted the man in Dogtown and attempted to place him under arrest. As he did so, the suspect fired, striking Deputy Owens and killing him instantly. Deputy Owen's driver then shot and killed the suspect.
Deputy Owens was survived by his wife and six children. He was buried in the New Bethel Baptist Cemetery (now the Dogtown Cemetery) in Dogtown.
Survivors
Deputy Owens was survived by his wife and six children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpa795g5w3qhm53yxc7h- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Owens served with the Gadsden County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Quincy community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Owens.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Gadsden County Sheriff's Office has lost 6 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.3% of the 1,006 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, 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 1921, 8 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1921, 248 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1921, 516 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
Who
John was 47. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36.
John was 47. 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.
John was 47. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
March holds 8.2% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Sundays: 15.9%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 6 deaths at Gadsden County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.3% of all 1,006 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 0.4% 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; pistol, in 0.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 0.5% of these deaths.
His people
Gadsden County Sheriff's Office has 6 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 24-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Gadsden County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
