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Incident
Patrolman Perkins was killed in an automobile accident while chasing a suspected drunk driver. During the chase Patrolman Perkins' vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. The driver of the vehicle he was chasing was never found.
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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.
Patrolman Perkins served with the Gadsden Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Gadsden community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Perkins.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Gadsden Police Department has lost 4 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Richard is one of 182 officers lost to accidents in AL, 28.3% of the 643 remembered there.
Richard is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Richard is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1958, 2 officers in AL were lost to accidents, the 27th heaviest of 85 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 6.
In 1958, 50 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 96th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1958, 61 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 89th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
When
June holds 8.8% of these deaths in AL; July holds the most, 13.2%. Wednesdays: 12.6%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Gadsden Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 50% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 28.3% of all 643 deaths in AL, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 3.8% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 1.6% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 1.3% of these deaths.
His people
Gadsden Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Richard among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 26-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Gadsden Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
