Roll of Honor
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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BO-US-AL-E4A57594- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
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
Deputy Sheriff D. E. Tidwell is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In AL, 405 of 643 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63% of this state's fallen. That is 8.8 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. D. E. Tidwell's cause is highlighted.
How D. E. Tidwell Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. D. E. Tidwell is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. D. E. Tidwell was killed by gun; unknown type.