Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Elmer Singleton was shot and killed by an intoxicated man when he and three other deputies stopped to render aid to a woman who was calling for assistance. The man opened fire on the four deputies, striking Deputy Singleton in the chest and leg. Deputies returned fire hitting the suspect in the hand, abdomen, back, and chest. Deputy Singleton was taken to a local hospital where he died two weeks later. The suspect, 26, was hospitalized in fair condition.
Deputy Singleton had served with the Claiborne County Sheriff's Office for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, four children, mother, and three siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-A2363CAF- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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 Singleton gave the Claiborne County Sheriff's Office 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Tazewell community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Singleton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Elmer T. Singleton 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 TN, 498 of 769 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 64.8% of this state's fallen. That is 10.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Claiborne County Sheriff's Office, 6 of 6 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Elmer T. Singleton's cause is highlighted.
How Elmer T. Singleton Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Elmer T. Singleton is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Claiborne County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
