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Incident
Deputy Walter Combs was shot and killed while placing a prisoner into his automobile.
He had arrested the man for public drunkenness and was preparing to take him to jail when a second man approached and shot him six times. Deputy Combs was taken to Dickenson County Hospital, in Clintwood, where he succumbed to his injuries early the following morning.
Both men involved in the shooting fled into the woods pursued by a large posse. The subject who shot Deputy Combs surrendered the sheriff. He was convicted of Deputy Combs' murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Deputy Combs had served with the Dickenson County Sheriff's Office for only four months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three 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 Combs served with the Dickenson County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Clintwood community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Combs.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Dickenson County Sheriff's Office has lost 7 officers; 7 of them killed feloniously.
Walter is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
Walter is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Walter 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 1936, 1 officer at Dickenson County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1936, 10 officers in VA were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1936, 136 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1936, 136 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 38th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Walter was 37. Of the 7 killed feloniously at Dickenson County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 37 and 45; the middle age was 38. Walter had served 0.3 years; the middle length of service was 2.5 years.
Walter was 37. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. Walter had served 0.3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Walter was 37. 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. Walter had served 0.3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Walter was 37. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Walter had served 0.3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 42.9% of these deaths at Dickenson County Sheriff's Office, more than any other month. Sundays: 14.3%.
July holds 9.2% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Sundays: 18.6%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 7 deaths at Dickenson County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 14.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.8% 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; .32 caliber, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.4% of these deaths.
His people
Dickenson County Sheriff's Office has 7 officers remembered here, Walter among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Dickenson County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
