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
John D. Nichols Jr.
Age:
43
Length of Service:
2 Years
Location of Incident:
The Standard Theater, 12th at Rusk
Date of Injury:
Dec. 22, 1906
Date of Death:
Dec. 22, 1906
Burial:
Mount Olivet Cemetery
Summary:
Officer John D. Nichols Jr. was a "special officer" and was assigned to the Standard Theater at 12th and Rusk.
On the night of December 22, at about 11:55 p.m., Officer Nichols was called to the ticket office to settle a dispute with a customer, Barney Wise, a farmer from Red River County. Wise felt he had been cheated inside the theater. An argument quickly ensued and Wise shot Officer Nichols once in the chest, killing him almost instantly. Nichols returned fire, wounding Wise. Officer Nichols died a few minutes later on a cot in the back of the theater. Wise recovered and was tried for the murder, but was acquitted.
The Police Benevolent Association later issued resolutions on the death of Officer Nichols and held a funeral for him with full police honors.
