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Incident
Patrolman Bailey was struck and killed by a tractor trailer while directing traffic at a construction zone on the Fort Henry Bridge on I-70. He had signaled a lane of traffic to stop. The first car in the line stopped but a tractor trailer traveling behind it could not stop in time. The driver swerved into the construction zone and struck Patrolman Bailey. He was transported to Ohio Valley General Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries later that evening. The driver of the truck was charged with negligent homicide. Patrolman Bailey had served with the Wheeling Police Department for seven years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two 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.
Patrolman Bailey gave the Wheeling Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Wheeling community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Bailey.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Wheeling Police Department has lost 9 officers; 4 of them lost to accidents.
James is one of 54 officers lost to accidents in WV, 23.3% of the 232 remembered there.
James is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1971, 1 officer in WV was lost to accidents, the 8th heaviest of 47 years on record. The heaviest was 1922, with 2.
In 1971, 79 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 29th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1971, 91 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 35th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 36. Of the 46 lost to accidents in WV whose age is recorded, half were between 26.3 and 46.3; the middle age was 33.5. James had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
James was 36. 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 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 36. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. James had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 7.4% of these deaths in WV; November holds the most, 16.7%. Mondays: 13%.
October holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.4%.
October holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 13.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 44.4% of all 9 deaths at Wheeling Police Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 23.3% of all 232 deaths in WV, 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 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Wheeling Police Department has 9 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 42-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Wheeling Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
