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Incident
Chief George Bedford was shot and killed while he and Officer George Carmichael responded to a bank robbery call on December 23rd, 1927. The robbery was later dubbed the "Santa Claus Bank Robbery" because the robbers were dressed as Santa Claus. Six civilians were also shot and wounded during the shootout while assisting law enforcement officers. One of the suspects was shot and killed during the shootout. The other three were taken into custody. When one of them tried to escape he murdered Deputy Thomas Jones, of the Eastland County Sheriff's Department. After finding out about the escape attempt the towns-people came to the jail, overpowered the other guard, and lynched the suspect. The third suspect was convicted of murder and executed in the electric chair on September 6, 1929. The fourth suspect was sentenced to 99 years but paroled in the 1940s. Chief Bedford was a career lawman and the former Eastland County Sheriff. He was laid to rest in the Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco, Texas.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief Bedford served with the Cisco Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Cisco community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief Bedford.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Cisco Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
George is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
George is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
George is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1927, 18 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1927, 220 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1927, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
George was 60. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
George was 60. 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.
George was 60. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
December holds 10.4% of these deaths in TX, more than any other month. Fridays: 15.5%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Fridays: 14.3%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Cisco Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 14.2% 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, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Cisco Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, George among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 20-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Cisco Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
