Wabash Railway Police Department, Railroad Police
End of Watch Wednesday, October 9, 1935
Add to My HeroesOmer Earl Davenport
Special Agent Omer Davenport was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend two men who were hopping onto a passenger train in the Wabash rail yards in Decatur, Illinois. The two suspects fled after shooting him. He was taken to the Wabash Employees Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. The suspects were never identified or apprehended.
Special Agent Davenport had served with the Wabash Railway Police Department for six years and as chief of police of the Decatur Police Department for four years, while simultaneously serving as a deputy sheriff with the Macon County Sheriff's Department.
He was also a WWI veteran, commissioned a second lieutenant in the Army Reserve at war's end. Upon his return home, he was appointed a captain in the Illinois National Guard where he commanded an infantry company at the Herron Massacre and, as a major, commanded a battalion during the Sangamon County Mine War, both extended martial law actions.
Special Agent Davenport was survived by his wife, five young children, and his mother.
Bio
- Age 39
- Tour 10 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Location Illinois
- Weapon Handgun; .32 caliber
- Offender Never identified
Most Recent Reflection
View all 15 ReflectionsSpecial Agent Davenport, you gave, served and protected in so many ways it's mind boggling. On this 80th anniversary of your brutal murder, I wish to say THANK YOU for all that service. You are truly the definition of 'hero'.
I can only hope, as I'm fond of saying, that your murderers faced true justice at some point, if not in this world, then in the next.
God Bless and may your eternal rest remain peaceful, Brother.
Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.
October 9, 2015
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