Houston Police Department, Texas
End of Watch: Wednesday, February 24, 1954
Age: 29
Tour of Duty: 3 years, 6 months
Badge Number: 1012
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: February 24, 1954
Weapon Used: Handgun; .38 caliber
Suspect Info: Executed in 1956
Officer Fred Maddox was shot and killed while coming to the aid of another officer who was involved in a shootout. The other officer had responded to a robbery call on Laura Koppe Street. As the officer investigated the shooting he learned that the suspect was at a nearby location attempting to hail a cab. When the officer approached, the man opened fire on the officer.
Officer Maddox and his partner were driving a police wagon nearby and heard the shots. They stopped to investigate and were immediately fired upon by the suspect and Officer Maddox was shot in the head. The suspect was sentenced to death for Officer Maddox's murder and executed on January 4, 1956.
Officer Maddox was a WWII veteran had served with the Houston Police Department for three and a half years. He was survived by his expectant wife and daughter.