Lieutenant John Eaton Bradshaw

Lieutenant John Eaton Bradshaw | Tempe Police Department, Arizona
Tempe Police Department, Arizona
Lieutenant John Eaton Bradshaw

Tempe Police Department, Arizona

End of Watch Sunday, September 20, 1987

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John Eaton Bradshaw

Lieutenant John Bradshaw was shot and killed while responding to an officer needs assistance call.

The call came in from an officer whose weapon was stolen by an inmate he was transporting to the hospital. The suspect then took a motorcycle driver hostage and fled the scene. Lieutenant Bradshaw stopped up the road from the suspect and waited for his arrival at Hohokam Highway and University Drive.

When the suspect saw the patrol car he fired one shot which struck Lieutenant Bradshaw in the chest. The suspect was later shot by Department of Public Safety officers.

Lieutenant Bradshaw had served with the Tempe Police Department for 20 years. He was survived by his wife and four children.

Lieutenant Bradshaw was a graduate of the 130th Session of the FBI National Academy.

Bio

  • Age 45
  • Tour 20 years
  • Badge 23

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Officer's handgun
  • Offender Shot and killed

FBI National Academy, FBINA

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Well John it's been 33 years now. After reading about all the great memories and love expressed here I can tell I am not the only one who felt close to you. I remember first meeting you and your family in 1975 when we were assigned together and you invited me to your home for dinner during our shift. Your hospitality and caring in the way you trained officers and dealt with citizens was something I never forgot and always tried to practice in my life and career ever since meeting you. I can only hope that I did it half as well as you did.

I worked for you on the day you left us on that Sunday in 1987. Like many here, I too was not able to respond to your final call for service. Something I will always struggle with as well. I can tell you that you would have been very proud of our response, for many days to come. You trained us well.

Like many of us who were honored to participate at your final services I was especially touched by your family once again. Your brother's rendition of The Lord's Prayer still resonates in my life. I pray for all of you.

May your reputation and legacy continue forever my friend. Until we meet again.

Jim Norwood
Sergeant Tempe PD (Ret)

September 20, 2020

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