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Incident
Chief James Emerson was shot and killed while investigating the sound of a gunshot while on routine patrol. He heard the shot as he drove through a residential area of the city and turned around to investigate. He observed a man standing on a porch holding a shotgun and told him to stop. The man then fired at Chief Emerson, killing him. The killer, 29, was arrested a short time later following a manhunt involving several agencies. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. In 1972 his sentence was commuted to life. Chief Emerson had previously served with the Sylvester Police Department and Bainbridge Police Departments.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief of Police Emerson served with the Warwick Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Warwick community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Emerson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
James is the only officer of Warwick Police Department remembered here.
James is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 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 1968, 5 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
In 1968, 91 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1968, 91 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 73rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 22. Of the 481 killed feloniously in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38.
James was 22. 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 22. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
October holds 5.1% of these deaths in GA; December holds the most, 10.6%. Fridays: 12.9%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Warwick Police Department. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.7% of all 905 deaths in GA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 8.6% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 50-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
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