The memorial is located on the north end of Trinity Park along West 7th Street. It occupies approximately five acres of park. » Get Directions
Hours of Operation
5:00am - 11:30pm
The displays and paths are always
illuminated.
By Mail
3801 Hulen Suite 101
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
By Phone
817-870-2171
Jeff C. Couch
Age:
25
Length of Service:
2 Months
Location of Incident:
12th Street at Commerce
Date of Injury:
Dec. 20, 1920
Date of Death:
Dec. 20, 1920
Burial:
Oakwood Cemetery
Summary:
Officer Jeff C. Couch 25 years old and had worked for the Fort Worth Police Department for two months.
On Dec. 20, 1920, he responded to the sounds of gunfire nearby and found two men at 12th and Rusk at the Dollar Dodge Garage. After speaking with both
men, Officer Couch decided to arrest them both.
One of these men, Thomas Vickery, pulled his two pistols and forced Officer Couch to back up to a wall of the garage. He then shot Officer Couch seven times.
Vickery surrendered to the sheriff several hours later and was placed in jail. He immediately confessed to the crime.
On Dec. 22, 1920, an organized mob went to the Tarrant County Jail and overpowered the night jailer. The mob took Vickery out of the jail and placed him in a waiting car. Vickery's body was found a short time later near the intersection of NE 12th and Samuel Avenue. He had been hanged from a hackberry tree. His neck was broken and he had been shot numerous times in the head and torso.
The night jailer testified, somewhat sarcastically, that the members of the mob were all in uniform, and that the mob consisted of either streetcar conductors or Fort Worth Police Officers. The members of the mob were never identified.
Tributes
Chuck
2009-12-20 22:14:43
May all the fallen heroes rest in peace... Jeff C. Couch you will always be remembered.
