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Incident
Ranger Bobby Doherty was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a narcotics suspect in Argyle, Texas. As Ranger Doherty kicked in the door he was shot in the head and fatally wounded. The man who shot him was apprehended and sentenced to life. He was released on parole on May 25th, 2004. Ranger Doherty had served with the Texas Department of Public Safety for 20 years and had served as a Texas Ranger for 18 months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
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
20 years. You could have gone home.
Ranger Doherty gave the Texas Department of Public Safety 20 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the people of Texas. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Ranger Doherty.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Rangers has lost 4 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Bobby is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Bobby is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Bobby 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 1978, 11 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 44th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1978, 121 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1978, 135 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Bobby was 41. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Bobby had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Bobby was 41. 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. Bobby had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Bobby was 41. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Bobby had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 7.6% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Tuesdays: 11.2%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Rangers, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.3% 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 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Rangers has 4 officers remembered here, Bobby among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 60-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Rangers are honored on badge.nw.
