Patrolman John H. Dowies, Tenino Police Department, Washington

Patrolman John H. Dowies

Tenino Police Department, Washington

End of Watch Wednesday, January 18, 1978

John H. Dowies

Patrolman Dowies was shot and killed with his own service weapon after locating a man wanted in an earlier disturbance. Patrolman Dowies was assisting another agency and knew the suspect. He located the man at his home and went to talk to him. A struggle ensued the suspect gained control of Patrolman Dowies' service weapon and shot him.

Bio

Age 44
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Not available

Most Recent Reflection

View all 21 Reflections

As a young teen, officer Dowies went out of his way while on patrol in Yelm and gave me and my buddy a ride home three miles outside of Yelm . Just past where another recently fallen officer resided. I had the opportunity later to work with John's son Ira ,working on a control ed wildfire on werhauser land. I witnessed Ira rush through the flames and rescue a fawn seperated from its mother inside the fire line. He came back running through smoke and flames carrying the Bambi in his arms to safety. Which I believe shows that in the Dowries family the apple did not fall far from the tree. Although some thought it was a little foolish I came to admire the compassion and courage that young man had shown that day.

Noel f Thompson
worked with Nelson's forestry crew at that time

January 17, 2018