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Incident
Patrolman Potter was shot and killed when he responded to a domestic dispute at a beauty salon. The suspect then shot and killed his estranged wife before being wounded and arrested by other officers. On September 17, 1942, the suspect suffered a stroke while working with the vegetable work crew at Tucker Prison Farm. He died the next day. Patrolman Potter had served with the agency for 10 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
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.
Patrolman Potter gave the Blytheville Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Blytheville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Potter.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Blytheville Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Dick is one of 249 officers killed feloniously in AR, 66.9% of the 372 remembered there.
Dick is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Dick 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 1942, 2 officers in AR were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 106 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 8.
In 1942, 82 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 79th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1942, 120 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 49th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Dick was 30. Of the 214 killed feloniously in AR whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 42. Dick had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Dick was 30. 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. Dick had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Dick was 30. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Dick had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 10.4% of these deaths in AR; April holds the most, 10.8%. Sundays: 11.6%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Blytheville Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 66.9% of all 372 deaths in AR, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 19.3% 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
Blytheville Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Dick among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 47-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Blytheville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
