Officer Jimmie F. Chadwell, 45, was killed on December 11, 1978, while serving with the Fort Worth Police Department. He had been with the department for 12 years and was survived by his wife and three children. Chadwell and three other officers were attempting to serve a warrant when they entered a suspect’s home; Chadwell and another officer went in through the front while two others entered from the rear. The suspect was found hiding in a shower. As Chadwell entered the bathroom the suspect opened fire, striking him in the face. Other officers returned fire and killed the suspect, but one of those rounds also struck Chadwell in the back. The coroner ruled that either the suspect’s bullet or the friendly-fire round would have been fatal.

The department’s investigation determined the officers acted in self-defense and in the line of duty. Chadwell’s death was described as a significant loss to the department and the community. Does anyone who knew Officer Chadwell or his family have memories or details to share about his service and life?