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Incident
Constable Ben Wicker succumbed to gunshot wounds received three weeks earlier when he was shot after responding to a shots fired call at a cafe in Ferris, Texas. Constable Wicker was searching several men when one of them suddenly pulled a handgun and opened fire, striking Constable Wicker several times before he had a chance to draw his own weapon. The suspect was apprehended, sentenced to death, and executed on March 11, 1964. Constable Wicker had served with the Ellis County Constable's Office - Precinct 2 for four years and simultaneously served as the Ferris City Marshal for eight years. He retired from the Dallas Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
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
34 years. You could have gone home.
Constable Wicker gave the Ellis County Constable's Office 34 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Waxahachie community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Wicker.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
James is the only officer of Ellis County Constable's Office - Precinct 2 remembered here.
James is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James 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 1962, 5 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1962, 67 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 107th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1962, 67 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 116th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 65. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. James had served 34 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
James was 65. 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. James had served 34 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 65. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 34 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 7.2% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Wednesdays: 13.1%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Ellis County Constable's Office - Precinct 2. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.3% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 52-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Ellis County Constable's Office - Precinct 2 are honored on badge.nw.