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Incident
Detective James Baucus was shot and killed while attempting to arrest three men in Portsmouth, Ohio, he surprised stealing coal and chickens from a box car. As he walked the men to his guard shack one of them produced a .32 caliber handgun and shot him in the head at the Kendall Avenue crossing. The suspect then stole Detective Baucus' service weapon and flashlight before fleeing. It was reported in several Ohio papers the killer was arrested in Wheeling, West Virginia, in February of 1922, but there was never anymore information. Detective Baucus had previously served as Chief of Police for Portsmouth, Ohio, and as an investigator for the Scioto County Sheriff's Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
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.
Detective Baucus gave the Norfolk and Western Railroad Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Roanoke community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Baucus.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Norfolk and Western Railroad Police Department has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James 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 1914, 3 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1914, 127 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1914, 127 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 45th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 56. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. James had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 56. 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. James had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 56. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 10.4% of these deaths in VA, more than any other month. Sundays: 18.6%.
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 4 deaths at Norfolk and Western Railroad Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 75% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 25.7% 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.
His people
Norfolk and Western Railroad Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 4-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Norfolk and Western Railroad Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
