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Incident
Constable Robert Kennedy and Constable John Bodenheimer were killed when the driver of a vehicle lost control and struck them as they conducted a traffic stop on US 29.
Constable Kennedy was standing beside the patrol car as Constable Bodenheimer sat inside. Another car entered the area and struck Constable Kennedy, killing him instantly, and then struck the patrol car. Constable Bodenheimer succumbed to his injuries four days later.
The driver of the vehicle that struck them was charged with manslaughter.
Constable Kennedy had served with the Thomasville Police Department for 2 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
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.
Constable Kennedy gave the Thomasville Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Thomasville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Kennedy.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Thomasville Police Department has lost 8 officers; 3 of them lost to accidents.
Robert is one of 205 officers lost to accidents in NC, 30.9% of the 664 remembered there.
Robert is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert 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 1946, 3 officers in NC were lost to accidents, the 21st heaviest of 90 years on record. The heaviest was 2018, with 7.
In 1946, 63 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 68th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1946, 68 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 77th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Robert was 34. Of the 194 lost to accidents in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 46; the middle age was 35. Robert had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 5.4 years.
Robert was 34. 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. Robert had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 34. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Robert had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 10.2% of these deaths in NC; September holds the most, 12.7%. Saturdays: 20%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 37.5% of all 8 deaths at Thomasville Police Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30.9% of all 664 deaths in NC, 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
Thomasville Police Department has 8 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 23-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Thomasville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
