Washington DC Metropolitan Police History - Honor a Fallen Officer

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has been serving the District of Columbia for more than 160 years.  Until the creation of the MPD by President Abraham Lincoln, the city had only an auxiliary watch with one captain and 15 policemen. President Lincoln personally dispatched an emissary to New York City to become familiar with their system, which had been based on the world-acclaimed Metropolitan London PD.  The knowledge gained from this study led to the creation of the MPD on August 6, 1861.  Over the years, the MPD has grown in size, diversity and expertise.  As the police force for the Nation’s Capital, it has protected the city, its citizens and visitors through many historic events and social changes.  During that time, 125 officers have died in the line of duty.  Honor these Fallen Officers by learning about their stories below.

Fallen Officers – 1800s

Click each MPDC officer below to see newspaper accounts of the circumstances of their passing. Articles include officers killed in the line of duty, some of them Medal of Valor recipients, and are largely from Washington Post newspaper articles. This information has been compiled to bring attention to our rich police history. The legacy of our officers’ heroism, sacrifice, professionalism and dedication should instill a sense of pride in ball who wear the badge.  We honor these outstanding individuals who will live on as long as they are remembered. It is our duty to remember.

The Board of Directors for the Metropolitan Washington, DC Police Memorial & Museum would like to express its gratitude to Dave Richardson MPD/Ret. for compiling this research.

Rest easy, sleep well my brother.
Know the blue line has held, your job is done.
Rest easy, sleep well.
Others have taken up where you fell.
The blue line has held.
Peace, peace and farewell…
Author unknown.
(“blue” added to the original)