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Incident
Officer Callahan was shot and killed while chasing a robbery suspect on his downtown walking beat. During the chase the suspect turned and fired a sawed-off rifle, mortally wounding Officer Callahan. As Officer Callahan fell he was able to return fire and wound the suspect.
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.
Patrol Officer Callahan served with the Duluth Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Duluth community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrol Officer Callahan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Duluth Police Department has lost 8 officers; 7 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 173 officers killed feloniously in MN, 59% of the 293 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1918, 1 officer at Duluth Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1918, 1 officer in MN was killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 93 years on record. The heaviest was 1922, with 11.
In 1918, 165 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1918, 169 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
August holds 28.6% of these deaths at Duluth Police Department; January holds the most, 28.6%. Tuesdays: 28.6%.
August holds 16.8% of these deaths in MN, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 87.5% of all 8 deaths at Duluth Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 28.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 59% of all 293 deaths in MN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 10.4% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Duluth Police Department has 8 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 44-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Duluth Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
