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. “Jack” Bell
Age:
29 years
Date of Injury:
August 12, 1921
Date of Death:
August 12, 1921
Location of Incident:
Fourth @ Commerce
Burial:
Grapevine, TX
Summary:
On August 12, 1921, Officer John D. “Jack” Bell was responding with other officers to the scene of a reported burglary on East Fourth Street. It was the second call of the day at that address concerning a burglary. While enroute to this call, Officer Bell collided with a vehicle that was turning onto Fourth Street. Officer Bell attempted to regain control of his motorcycle but was unable. Officer Bell struck the curb and came off of the motorcycle. He received extensive, massive injuries to his hip and to his head. Officer Bell was taken by ambulance to City County Hospital, and when he regained consciousness, to Protestant Hospital for X-rays.
On Saturday, August 13, 1921, slightly over 24 hours since the accident, Officer Bell died after surgery to relieve pressure on his brain. Contributing to his death was a marked loss of blood from the accident.
Officer Bell was survived by his wife and son, John D. Bell Jr., as well as six sisters, two brothers, and his mother, He was buried in Grapevine, Texas.
The call that Officer Bell was enroute to proved to be a fake call, and the caller was arrested. The driver of the vehicle that collided with Officer Bell was initially arrested, but was released with no formal charges being filed.
