Prev
Incident
Lieutenant James Davis died during a rescue of a stranded surfer. Lieutenant Davis and three other members of the Ocean Shores Police Surf Rescue Team had gone out in the 10 to 12-foot swells in two separate boats. His inflatable boat capsized, and both occupants were thrown into the water. He was brought ashore by the US Coast Guard but was not breathing. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. All of the other people involved were rescued. Lieutenant Davis had served with the Ocean Shores Police Department for 18 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpvvk2p0fr41k53z114e- 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.
Lieutenant Davis gave the Ocean Shores Police Department 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the Ocean Shores community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Lieutenant Davis.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
James is the only officer of Ocean Shores Police Department remembered here.
James is one of 111 officers lost to accidents in WA, 32.6% of the 340 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 1998, 1 officer in WA was lost to accidents, the 30th heaviest of 70 years on record. The heaviest was 1968, with 5.
In 1998, 84 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 21st heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1998, 93 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 31st heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 41. Of the 92 lost to accidents in WA whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46.3; the middle age was 38. James had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 41. 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 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 41. 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 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 3.6% of these deaths in WA; November holds the most, 15.3%. Sundays: 18.9%.
April holds 7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Sundays: 14%.
April holds 7% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Ocean Shores Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 32.6% of all 340 deaths in WA, 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.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 4-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Ocean Shores Police Department are honored on badge.nw.