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Incident
Chief Phillips was shot and killed after arresting a man for possessing two pints of illegal liquor. When they arrived at the jail a scuffle ensued and the suspect produced a .38 caliber revolver. He fired twice, striking Chief Phillips once. The chief was taken a local hospital where he died the following evening. The suspect was hanged at Moundsville Penitentiary on July 22, 1921. Chief Phillips had served with the agency for 12 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and five children.
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.
Chief of Police Phillips gave the Grafton Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Grafton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Phillips.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
J. E. B. is the only officer of Grafton Police Department remembered here.
J. E. B. is one of 169 officers killed feloniously in WV, 72.8% of the 232 remembered there.
J. E. B. is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
J. E. B. 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 1919, 4 officers in WV were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 79 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
In 1919, 212 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1919, 232 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
J. E. B. was 64. Of the 147 killed feloniously in WV whose age is recorded, half were between 31.5 and 47.5; the middle age was 39. J. E. B. had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 4.5 years.
J. E. B. was 64. 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. J. E. B. had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
J. E. B. was 64. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. J. E. B. had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 7.7% of these deaths in WV; August holds the most, 14.2%. Tuesdays: 19.5%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Grafton Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 72.8% of all 232 deaths in WV, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 25.4% 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 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 62-W
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