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Incident
Sheriff Thomas Brown was shot and killed by the former sheriff while investigating a disturbance.
The former sheriff had been drinking and stopped at a woman's farm. The woman sent her son and a friend to find Sheriff Brown.
When Sheriff Brown arrived at the scene, he located the former sheriff's vehicle and found a 2-gallon jug of liquor in it. As he approached the house to find the former sheriff, he fired and struck Sheriff Brown three times.
Sheriff Brown had served as sheriff for 8 months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and eight 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.
Sheriff Brown served with the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Crossville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Brown.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Cumberland County Sheriff's Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Thomas is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Thomas 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 1928, 6 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1928, 201 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 13th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1928, 202 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Thomas was 58. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41. Thomas had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Thomas was 58. 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. Thomas had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thomas was 58. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Sundays: 15.5%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Cumberland County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 24.1% 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, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Cumberland County Sheriff's Department has 3 officers remembered here, Thomas among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Cumberland County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.