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Incident
Constable Owens was shot and killed over a dispute involving a local doctor's dog. Constable Owens was attempting to arrest the doctor when the man shot him twice. The doctor was arrested but never tried for the murder. Constable Owens had served as marshal of Wildwood and constable Sumter County District Three for 3 years and had previously served as a deputy sheriff for Sumter County.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Town Marshal Owens gave the Wildwood Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Wildwood community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Town Marshal Owens.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Wildwood Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.3% of the 1,006 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1908, 6 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1908, 129 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1908, 129 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 56. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
John was 56. 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. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 56. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 9% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Sundays: 15.9%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Wildwood Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.3% of all 1,006 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 19% 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
Wildwood Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 48-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Wildwood Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
