Fallen Officers

1749
Patrol Officer

James Leroy Bennett, Badge #103

Decatur Police Department, Texas

End of Watch: Thursday, April 3, 1980


Officer James Bennett was shot and killed when he stopped a suspect wanted for stealing a .22 caliber rifle in a nearby town. The traffic stop occurred on US 380, about one mile east of Decatur. As Officer Bennett approached the vehicle, the suspect exited with the rifle, pointed it at Officer Bennett, and told him to put his hands up. Officer Bennett complied but the suspect opened fire and shot him in the throat. The suspect fled the scene but was quickly apprehended. He was found guilty of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison. Officer Bennett had been employed with the Decatur Police Department for six years.

             Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.   John 15:13