James O’Donnell QPM MM

Died:
13 December 1958
Age:
47
Rank:
Detective Inspector
Force:
Blackburn Borough Police
Cause:
Homicide - Shot
Duty Status:
On Duty
Gallantry award:
James O’Donnell received State recognition by way of a Gallantry Award in relation to the incident where he lost his life.

Roll of Honour Citation

Died in hospital the day after he was shot in the chest having been called to an address in Blackburn.

Police Memorial Tribute

There he attempted to talk down a 27-year-old man, armed with a shotgun, who had already killed a woman, shot an unarmed police officer and taken several people hostage, including his estranged wife.

DI O’Donnell was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for Gallantry.