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Incident
Patrolman Roper was shot and killed by a man who was seeking revenge for previous encounters with the officer. The man snuck up and shot Patrolman Roper as he patrolled the train depot. The suspect was apprehended, convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 15 years. At a second trial, granted by the Tennessee Supreme Court, he was again convicted of second degree murder but sentenced to 10 years. In 1922 a third trial was granted that resulted in a mistrial. A forth trial was ordered but the outcome is unknown.
Survivors
Patrolman Roper was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Roper served with the Union City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Union City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Roper.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Union City Police Department has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Oscar is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 remembered there.
Oscar is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Oscar is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1919, 6 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
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
Oscar was 41. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41.
Oscar was 41. 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.
Oscar was 41. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
July holds 8.8% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Wednesdays: 14.9%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Union City Police Department. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 12.7% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Union City Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Oscar among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 6-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Union City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.