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Incident
Town Marshal Charles Davison was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a drunk man for creating a disturbance.
He had been causing a disturbance in the town's restricted district before going home and obtaining a revolver. He then returned and fired two shots in the air after making threatening statements directed towards police. The shots drew the attention of Marshal Davison, who then located the subject.
As Marshal Davison attempted to place him under arrest the man opened fire, striking the marshal. Despite being mortally wounded, Marshal Davison returned fire and wounded the subject. The man was arrested and charged with first degree murder.
The suspect was an ex-convict who served a sentence in the Montana Penitentiary for attempted murder. He was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 30 years. He was pardoned on February 20, 1921.
Marshal Davison was serving his third year as town marshal.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents, sister, and several brothers.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Town Marshal Davison gave the Columbus Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Columbus community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Town Marshal Davison.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Charles is the only officer of Columbus Police Department remembered here.
Charles is one of 93 officers killed feloniously in MT, 65.5% of the 142 remembered there.
Charles is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charles 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 1912, 1 officer in MT was killed feloniously, the 25th heaviest of 58 years on record. The heaviest was 1935, with 6.
In 1912, 133 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1912, 135 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Charles was 43. Of the 81 killed feloniously in MT whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 47; the middle age was 39. Charles had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Charles was 43. 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. Charles had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 43. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 8.6% of these deaths in MT; December holds the most, 15.1%. Sundays: 14%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Columbus Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 65.5% of all 142 deaths in MT, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.6% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 53-W
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