Officer Joel Michael Davis, East Palo Alto Police Department, California

Officer Joel Michael Davis

East Palo Alto Police Department, California

End of Watch Wednesday, June 22, 1988

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Joel Michael Davis

Officer Joel Davis was shot and killed during a foot pursuit of a suspect with a gun at 1615 Bay Road.

Officer Davis had responded as backup to other officers on the initial call. During the foot pursuit, the suspect jumped over a fence and waited on the other side. As Officer Davis began to come over the fence he was shot in the shoulder by the subject. The man then shot him again in the head before fleeing.

The suspect, 30, was eventually apprehended and sentenced to life without parole in 1991. As of December 13, 2022, he was in prison.

Officer Davis served with the East Palo Alto Police Department as a full-time officer for six months and had previously served with the agency as a reserve officer for three years. He had also served as a reserve deputy with the San Mateo County Sheriff's Department. He was survived by his parents and sister.

A city park was renamed Joel Davis Park in his honor in August 2002.

Bio

Age 26
Tour 6 months
Badge 32

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Sentenced to life

foot pursuit, weapons violation

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Heavenly Father, You are Compassionate and Merciful. None of America’s Peace Officers leave home without the fear of not returning at the end of their watch. It is a fear that is lived daily. Unfortunately, the worst does sometimes come to pass, and lives are left shattered. Lord God, bless and keep the hearts and souls of those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Wipe away the tears from their eyes. Soothe their pain and bind up their emotional wounds through the wounds of Your beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In His name, and by His authority, I pray. Amen.

Encouragement, Comfort, Support, and Hope from the Law Enforcement Officer's Christian Standard Bible:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”
[Matthew 5:9 CSB];

"Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff - they comfort me." [Psalm 23:4 CSB];

"No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends."
[John 15:13 CSB];

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." [Matthew 5:4 CSB], and;

"Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." [Luke 23:43 CSB].

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, NACM
Ordained Independent NACM Minister
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA