Special Officer Richard D. Howell

Richard D. Howell

Special Officer Dick Howell succumbed to the effects of a gunshot wound sustained on April 11, 1908, while he and the North Fort Worth police chief investigated a shooting. Officer Howell had been in the city police station speaking with the chief when citizens alerted them to the shooting at 12th and Lake Streets.

As the two attempted to arrest the suspect, a struggle ensued and the suspect was able to open fire with his shotgun. The chief was struck in the abdomen and seriously wounded. Officer Howell was struck in the thigh, causing a serious wound and shattering his bone. The suspect was then taken into custody by citizens.

The leg wound Officer Howell received was enough to cause his leg to be amputated. During the following years, Officer Howell suffered several strokes as a result of the wound and amputation. Despite his serious medical conditions, he was appointed Night Sergeant for North Fort Worth and continued in the position after the city was annexed by Fort Worth in 1910. He eventually succumbed to his wound on September 30, 1927.

Officer Howell had served in law enforcement for a total 25 years. He had served with the North Fort Worth Police Department, Fort Worth and Denver Railroad Police, and Fort Worth Police Department. He is buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery. He was survived by his wife.