Prev
Incident
Patrolman O'Donnell was shot and killed while investigating suspicious activity at a local pool hall that was closed. The owner who was still inside in the darkness was waiting for a burglar(s) who was breaking into his business almost every night. Both mistook each other for a burglar and and opened fire on each other. Patrolman O'Donnell was killed. The owner was not hurt.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpn5yewyq61bcx5j92s9- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman O'Donnell served with the Benwood Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Benwood community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman O'Donnell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
John is the only officer of Benwood Police Department remembered here.
John is one of 54 officers lost to accidents in WV, 23.3% of the 232 remembered there.
John is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1922, 2 officers in WV were lost to accidents, more than in any other year.
In 1922, 82 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 23rd heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1922, 101 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 18th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
When
January holds 13% of these deaths in WV; November holds the most, 16.7%. Wednesdays: 18.5%.
January holds 7.7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
January holds 8.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Benwood Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 23.3% of all 232 deaths in WV, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 61-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Benwood Police Department are honored on badge.nw.