Prev
Incident
Patrolman Read was shot and killed while responding to assist other officers as a prisoner attempted to escape from the police department. The prisoner shot Patrolman Read with a shotgun he had gained control of at the police station. The suspect was shot and killed by a dispatcher moments later.
Survivors
Patrolman Read was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtppf7k6n848bgs3es6f8- 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 Norman. 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 Read served with the Saraland Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Saraland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Read.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Saraland Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Norman is one of 405 officers killed feloniously in AL, 63% of the 643 remembered there.
Norman is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Norman 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 1959, 2 officers in AL were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 131 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 10.
In 1959, 61 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 123rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1959, 62 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 129th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in AL; September holds the most, 9.9%. Sundays: 15.6%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Saraland Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63% of all 643 deaths in AL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 9.9% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Saraland Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Norman among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 11-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Saraland Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
