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Incident
Patrolman O'Brien and Sergeant William Flynn were shot and killed while conducting a liquor raid at 9 Booth Street. The suspect shot both officers in the back and then retreated into a bedroom. Although both officers were mortally wounded, they stood guard where the suspect had barricaded himself while other officers ran to get help. Once the suspect was in custody both officers were taken to Rhode Island Hospital where they died of their wounds. The suspect was convicted of their murders and served 30 years in the State Penitentiary. Patrolman O'Brien was assigned to the "Flying Squad" and had been with the agency for 14 years.
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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.
Patrolman O'Brien gave the Providence Police Department 14 years.
Thank you for your service to the Providence community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman O'Brien.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Providence Police Department has lost 9 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 25 officers killed feloniously in RI, 45.5% of the 55 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James 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 1928, 2 officers at Providence Police Department were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1928, 2 officers in RI were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 18 years on record. The heaviest was 1958, with 3.
In 1928, 201 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 13th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1928, 202 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 40. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Providence Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 27 and 44; the middle age was 40. James had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 14 years.
James was 40. Of the 25 killed feloniously in RI whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 40. James had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 9.5 years.
James was 40. 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. James had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 40. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 60% of these deaths at Providence Police Department, more than any other month. Sundays: 80%.
February holds 12% of these deaths in RI; June holds the most, 24%. Sundays: 20%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 55.6% of all 9 deaths at Providence Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 80% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 45.5% of all 55 deaths in RI, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 32% 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 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Providence Police Department has 9 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 42-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Providence Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
