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Incident
Chief of Police John Roberts suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after struggling with a suspect who had just escaped from the police department. He had chased the man a short distance and was able to subdue him before collapsing. Chief Roberts had served with the Gordon Police Department for 10 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, three sisters, and brother.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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 Roberts gave the Gordon Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Gordon community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Roberts.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
John is the only officer of Gordon Police Department remembered here.
John is one of 23 officers lost to cardiac events in GA, 2.5% of the 905 remembered there.
John is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1978, 1 officer in GA was lost to cardiac events, the 4th heaviest of 20 years on record. The heaviest was 1969, with 2.
In 1978, 19 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 12th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1978, 19 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 12th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
John was 55. Of the 23 lost to cardiac events in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 46.5 and 56; the middle age was 53. John had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 11 years.
John was 55. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. John had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
John was 55. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. John had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
November holds 13% of these deaths in GA; August holds the most, 17.4%. Fridays: 21.7%.
November holds 8.6% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Fridays: 15.8%.
November holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Fridays: 15.8%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Gordon Police Department.
Cardiac deaths account for 2.5% of all 905 deaths in GA, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 50-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
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