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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Robert Britton succumbed to injuries sustained four days earlier when he was attacked by an injured cow while directing traffic around the animal.
Deputy Britton responded to the scene of a a vehicle collision between a car and cow on Farm Road 344. As he directed traffic around the injured cow, it unexpectedly charged him and knocked him into the air. Deputy Britton landed on his head and suffered severe head injuries. The cow continued attacking him until other deputies were able to pull him to safety.
Deputy Britton was transported to East Texas Medical Center where he remained until succumbing to his injuries.
Deputy Britton had served with the Smith County Sheriff's Office for 19 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his two children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Britton gave the Smith County Sheriff's Office 19 years.
Thank you for your service to the Tyler community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Britton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Smith County Sheriff's Office has lost 8 officers; 3 of them lost to accidents.
Robert is one of 657 officers lost to accidents in TX, 27.1% of the 2,423 remembered there.
Robert is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Robert is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2011, 5 officers in TX were lost to accidents, the 54th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1994, with 14.
In 2011, 64 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 66th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2011, 72 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 73rd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Robert was 54. Of the 626 lost to accidents in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 46; the middle age was 36. Robert had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Robert was 54. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Robert had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 54. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Robert had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 5.3% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 11.7%. Mondays: 12.8%.
March holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.4%.
March holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 13.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 37.5% of all 8 deaths at Smith County Sheriff's Office, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 27.1% of all 2,423 deaths in TX, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Smith County Sheriff's Office has 8 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Smith County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
