Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy James Drake was shot and killed as he attempted to serve a civil paper on a man. The suspect was in possession of another man's mule, and a bond had been issued to have the mule returned to the owner.
As Deputy Drake attempted to deliver the bond the suspect opened fire on him, fatally wounding him. The suspect was never apprehended.
Deputy Drake was survived by his wife and four children.
Survivors
Deputy Drake was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-AL-F5F46C30- 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 Drake served with the Madison County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Huntsville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Drake.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff James Crawford Drake 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%.
At Madison County Sheriff's Dept., 6 of 9 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Crawford Drake's cause is highlighted.
How James Crawford Drake Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Crawford Drake is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Crawford Drake was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Madison County Sheriff's Dept. are honored on badge.nw.
