Dallas Police Honor Guard

Roll Call of Honor
William H. Riddell
End of Watch: June 17, 1892

Officer William Riddell was shot and killed while he and his partner attempted to serve a warrant on a man for carrying a weapon.

The subject had been overheard saying that he would kill any officer who attempted to arrest him. As the officers entered his store he immediately opened fire, killing Officer Riddell. His partner was able to return fire but did not strike the suspect.

The assistant police chief arrived at the scene minutes later and was able to arrest the man. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to hang, but that sentence was later commuted to life in prison. After serving 15 years he was pardoned.

Officer Riddell had served with the Dallas Police Department for three years. He was survived by his wife and seven children. His son, Thomas Anderson Riddell, became an officer for the Dallas Police Department in 1899 and served until his retirement in 1932 as a Sergeant. One of William Riddell's grandchildren, Harry Taylor Riddell, continued the family tradition and became an officer for the Dallas Police Department in 1923. He served until his retirement in 1955 as a Captain.

Roll Call of Honor
Ernest E. Leonard, Jr. #51
End of Watch: May 28, 1935

Officer Ernest Leonard was killed in a motorcycle accident while attempting to catch a speeder near the intersection of South Denley Drive and Stella Avenue.

Officer Leonard had served with the Dallas Police Department for two years. He was survived by his parents, four brothers, and sister.

Roll Call of Honor
John Richard Crain
End of Watch May 24, 1923

Officer John Crain was shot and killed at approximately 3:30 am while investigating suspicious activity.

While on patrol he noticed lights on in a pharmacy on Junius Road. As Officer Crain peered into the window a burglar inside shot him in the head with a .38 caliber handgun. Both subjects inside the store were also responsible for the murder of Officer Johnnie Gibson, using the same handgun, one month earlier in almost identical circumstances.

The subjects were both convicted of the murders and executed on March 28, 1924.