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Incident
Deputy D. E. Tidwell succumbed to gunshot wounds inflicted three days earlier after he and another deputy were flagged down by three men who had run out of gas on Jackson Highway.
When the men realized that two men were officers, one of them attempted to dispose liquor as the other two opened fire. Deputy Tidwell was struck in the abdomen and face and the other deputy was also wounded. Despite being wounded, both deputies returned fire, killing one of the assailants.
The other two assailants fled the scene but were eventually apprehended.
Deputy Tidwell was transported to Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital, in Lauderdale County, where he remained until succumbing to the wounds three days later.
He was survived by his wife.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Tidwell served with the Franklin County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Russellville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Tidwell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
D. is the only officer of Franklin County Sheriff's Office remembered here.
D. is one of 405 officers killed feloniously in AL, 63% of the 643 remembered there.
D. is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
D. is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1929, 6 officers in AL were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 131 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 10.
In 1929, 205 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1929, 206 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
D. was 39. Of the 344 killed feloniously in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 49; the middle age was 40.
D. was 39. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
D. was 39. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
July holds 7.4% of these deaths in AL; September holds the most, 9.9%. Tuesdays: 15.1%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Franklin County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63% of all 643 deaths in AL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 12.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 63-E
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