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Incident
Policeman James Kent succumbed to an accidental gunshot wound sustained while attempting to remove his pistol from its holster.
He had received reports of a vicious dog at the corner of Fourth Street and Court Street and had gone to the location to locate it. Upon arriving at the corner he attempted to remove his pistol to shoot the dog but the trigger caught on his clothing and it discharged. The round struck him in the leg, causing a serious injury.
Policeman Kent was transported to the local hospital where he remained until succumbing to the wound.
Policeman Kent had served with the Ottumwa Police Department for three years and was the acting desk sergeant the night of the shooting.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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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.
Policeman Kent gave the Ottumwa Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Ottumwa community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Kent.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Ottumwa Police Department has lost 3 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
James is one of 71 officers lost to accidents in IA, 31.4% of the 226 remembered there.
James is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1900, 1 officer in IA was lost to accidents, the 18th heaviest of 50 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 3.
In 1900, 17 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 124th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1900, 27 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 121st heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 40. Of the 69 lost to accidents in IA whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 48; the middle age was 38. James had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 40. 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 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 40. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. James had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 8.5% of these deaths in IA; June holds the most, 16.9%. Wednesdays: 16.9%.
November holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
November holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Ottumwa Police Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 31.4% of all 226 deaths in IA, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Ottumwa Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 54-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Ottumwa Police Department are honored on badge.nw.