Incident
Deputy John Adams was shot and killed after responding to a domestic disturbance.
Deputy Adams arrived at the domestic disturbance and found that an intoxicated ex-convict causing the problem. While Deputy Adams was taking the suspect into custody, the suspect drew a handgun and shot Deputy Adams, killing him.
The subject was apprehended and convicted of murder in the second degree. He was sentenced to seven years.
Deputy Adams had served with the Hempstead Police Department for 10 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
146 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy City Marshal Adams gave the Hempstead Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Hempstead community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
John is the only officer of Hempstead Police Department remembered here.
John is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 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 1880, 5 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1880, 38 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 147th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1880, 39 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 148th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 42. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. John had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
John was 42. 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. John had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 42. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 8.4% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Saturdays: 16.6%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Hempstead Police Department.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 23-E
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