Incident
Motorcycle Officer James Reegan was killed in a motorcycle accident while pursuing several suspects who he was attempting to stop for a traffic violation. The subjects lost control of the vehicle and struck a sign, knocking into the roadway. Officer Reegan was unable to stop in time, and his motorcycle struck the sign. He was thrown over the handlebars and sustained fatal injuries. Officer Reegan had served with the Galveston Police Department for 5 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpph9gd6d9dwgd755dke- 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 James. 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.
Motorcycle Officer Reegan gave the Galveston Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Galveston community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Motorcycle Officer Reegan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Galveston Police Department has lost 19 officers; 9 of them lost to accidents.
James is one of 657 officers lost to accidents in TX, 27.1% of the 2,422 remembered there.
James is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1927, 1 officer at Galveston Police Department was lost to accidents, the 2nd heaviest of 6 years on record. The heaviest was 1900, with 4.
In 1927, 10 officers in TX were lost to accidents, the 7th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1994, with 14.
In 1927, 114 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 2nd heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1927, 119 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 4th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 32. Of the 9 lost to accidents at Galveston Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 34. James had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
James was 32. Of the 626 lost to accidents in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 46; the middle age was 36. James had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
James was 32. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. James had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 32. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. James had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 22.2% of these deaths at Galveston Police Department; September holds the most, 44.4%. Wednesdays: 22.2%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 11.7%. Wednesdays: 16.1%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.6%.
How
Accident deaths account for 47.4% of all 19 deaths at Galveston Police Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 11.1% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 27.1% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 1.4% 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 29.6% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 1.3% of these deaths.
His people
Galveston Police Department has 19 officers remembered here, James among them.
-
John Ferguson
Apr 6, 1873
-
Adolph Howe Sep 8, 1900
-
Charles Wolfe Sep 8, 1900
-
Frederick L. Richards Sep 8, 1900
-
Samuel Eugene Tovrea Sep 8, 1900
-
Martin Mayo Jul 28, 1905
-
John J. Burke Jan 11, 1914
-
Charles Burrell Jul 30, 1914
-
John B. Lawson Jun 3, 1919
-
James Gene Reegan
Jun 29, 1927
-
Thomas Tell Hawkins Jan 2, 1930
-
Albert Bernard Fredrickson
Jun 2, 1933
-
Frank Marchesi
Jul 21, 1942
-
Bennie Frank Elrod
Mar 11, 1948
-
John Reifel
Jun 5, 1948
-
George Froeschl
Apr 9, 1952
-
Alfred Byrd McGaffey, III
Jun 11, 1954
-
Gregory Urquiaga, Jr.
Dec 11, 1976
-
Robert Louis John
Aug 16, 1990
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 58-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
18 officers from Galveston Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.







