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Incident
Officer Lem Jones was shot and killed after responding to a disorderly conduct call at a woman's home.
When he arrived at the scene he was fatally shot by two men who had planned to murder him. Both subjects were convicted of Officer Jones' murder. One of the convictions was overturned on appeal.
Officer Jones was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
Survivors
Officer Jones was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Officer Jones served with the Decatur Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Decatur community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Jones.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Decatur Police Department has lost 5 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Jesse is one of 405 officers killed feloniously in AL, 63% of the 643 remembered there.
Jesse is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Jesse 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 1906, 1 officer at Decatur Police Department was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 4 years on record. The heaviest was 1905, with 2.
In 1906, 4 officers in AL were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 131 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 10.
In 1906, 89 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1906, 90 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 75th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Jesse was 41. Of the 4 killed feloniously at Decatur Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 37.5 and 41; the middle age was 39.5.
Jesse was 41. Of the 344 killed feloniously in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 49; the middle age was 40.
Jesse was 41. 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.
Jesse was 41. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
November holds 20% of these deaths at Decatur Police Department, more than any other month. Sundays: 40%.
November holds 8.9% of these deaths in AL; September holds the most, 9.9%. Sundays: 15.6%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 5 deaths at Decatur Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 20% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63% of all 643 deaths in AL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 12.3% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Decatur Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, Jesse among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 9-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Decatur Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
