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Incident
Captain Joseph Feely was shot and killed when he attempted to stop a 58-year-old man who was suspected of having a gun. The suspect shot Captain Feely in the head as the captain fired back striking the suspect in the hip. The suspect was paroled from prison in 1921 after serving 12 years for murder. He was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to life in prison May 2, 1927. He died in prison on November 16, 1953.
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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Captain Feely served with the Burlington Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Burlington community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Captain Feely.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Burlington Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Joseph is one of 129 officers killed feloniously in IA, 57.1% of the 226 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Joseph 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 1926, 4 officers in IA were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 76 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 5.
In 1926, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1926, 209 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Joseph was 41. Of the 115 killed feloniously in IA whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 51; the middle age was 41.
Joseph 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.
Joseph was 41. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
December holds 10.9% of these deaths in IA; July holds the most, 16.3%. Saturdays: 22.5%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.3%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Burlington Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 226 deaths in IA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% 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
Burlington Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Joseph among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 59-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Burlington Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
