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Incident
Warden James Delahunty, Officer E.G. Heilman and Deputy Warden Henry Wagner were shot and killed during a prison escape attempt. The three prisoners were able to break out of the jail and one was re-captured, however, one of the two remaining committed suicide before being taken into custody, and the other was killed by a posse. A hostage the convicts had taken was also killed in a gunfight with the posse. Warden Delahunty is buried in St Mary Cemetery, West Peoria, Illinois.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Warden Delahunty served with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services.
Thank you for your service to the Lincoln community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Warden Delahunty.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Nebraska Department of Correctional Services has lost 7 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 97 officers killed feloniously in NE, 64.2% of the 151 remembered there.
James is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1912, 4 officers at Nebraska Department of Correctional Services were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1912, 5 officers in NE were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 68 years on record. The heaviest was 1977, with 6.
In 1912, 133 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1912, 135 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 55. Of the 6 killed feloniously at Nebraska Department of Correctional Services whose age is recorded, half were between 54.3 and 64.5; the middle age was 59.
James was 55. Of the 92 killed feloniously in NE whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 51; the middle age was 41.
James was 55. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
James was 55. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
March holds 50% of these deaths at Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, more than any other month. Thursdays: 50%.
March holds 9.3% of these deaths in NE; August holds the most, 14.4%. Thursdays: 15.5%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 85.7% of all 7 deaths at Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.2% of all 151 deaths in NE, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 24.7% 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 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Nebraska Department of Correctional Services has 7 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 51-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Nebraska Department of Correctional Services are honored on badge.nw.
