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Incident
Night Officer Ben Ray was shot and killed while on patrol.
The suspect was never identified or apprehended.
Officer Ray had served with the Sour Lake Police Department for seven years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Night Officer Ray gave the Sour Lake Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Sour Lake community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Night Officer Ray.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Benford is the only officer of Sour Lake Police Department remembered here.
Benford is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Benford is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Benford is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1920, 14 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 17th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1920, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1920, 396 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Benford was 33. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Benford had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Benford was 33. 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. Benford had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Benford was 33. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Benford had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 10.4% of these deaths in TX, more than any other month. Sundays: 16.2%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Sour Lake Police Department. The weapon recorded was rifle, 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 rifle, in 7.2% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 33-W
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