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Incident
Patrolman Chapman was shot and killed by a suspect he had arrested earlier in the day. Patrolman Chapman had arrested the 60-year-old suspect for public drunkenness. After being released from custody, the suspect returned home and obtained a handgun. He later confronted Patrolman Chapman in downtown Rockland. The suspect pointed the gun at Patrolman Chapman and said, "How quick are you on the draw?" Before Patrolman Chapman could react, the suspect shot him once in the head, killing him. The suspect was caught hours later and confessed to the crime at a little before 1 AM. After a brief committal in the state psychiatric hospital in Bangor, he pleaded guilty to murder in May 1938 and was sentenced to life imprisonment. He was denied a pardon on June 7, 1951.
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Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Chapman served with the Rockland Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Rockland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Chapman.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Rockland Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 37 officers killed feloniously in ME, 43% of the 86 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 1938, 2 officers in ME were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1938, 111 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 45th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1938, 113 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 51st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 39. Of the 32 killed feloniously in ME whose age is recorded, half were between 34.3 and 49.5; the middle age was 42.
John was 39. 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 39. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
February holds 2.7% of these deaths in ME; January holds the most, 10.8%. Wednesdays: 8.1%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Rockland Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 43% of all 86 deaths in ME, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 24.3% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Rockland Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 60-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Rockland Police Department are honored on badge.nw.