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Incident
Sheriff Daniel Brownell was shot and killed after responding to a report of a disturbance at the county jail.
Sheriff Brownell was at home with his family when he was informed that there was a disturbance at the jail. Sheriff Brownell mounted his horse and rode a few miles into town. When he arrived, he encountered a man creating a disturbance in front of the jail. The suspect then shot and killed Sheriff Brownell. Before he fell, Sheriff Brownell was able to return fire, killing the suspect.
Sheriff Brownell was a Civil War veteran and had served with the Holmes County Sheriff's Office for 10 years.
Sheriff Brownell was at home with his family when he was informed that there was a disturbance at the jail. Sheriff Brownell mounted his horse and rode a few miles into town. When he arrived, he encountered a man creating a disturbance in front of the jail. The suspect then shot and killed Sheriff Brownell. Before he fell, Sheriff Brownell was able to return fire, killing the suspect.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and six 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
154 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Sheriff Brownell gave the Holmes County Sheriff's Office 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Bonifay community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Holmes County Sheriff's Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Daniel is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.2% of the 1,007 remembered there.
Daniel is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Daniel is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1872, 1 officer in FL was killed feloniously, the 114th heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1872, 32 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 154th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1872, 36 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 151st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Daniel was 40. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36. Daniel had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Daniel was 40. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Daniel had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Daniel was 40. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Daniel had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 7.6% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Tuesdays: 14.9%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Holmes County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.2% of all 1,007 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 0.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 0.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 0.5% of these deaths.
His people
Holmes County Sheriff's Department has 3 officers remembered here, Daniel among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Holmes County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
