Roll of Honor
Incident
Constable James Gilmer was shot and killed as he and several other officers encountered several men firing guns shortly after midnight.
The officers had been requested to go to the Tennessee Phosphate Company mine near Mount Sterling to raid a craps game. As they were heading to the mine, they heard gunfire coming from a country road and went to investigate. They discovered several men firing guns and ordered them to hand them over. At least one of the men fired at the officers, killing Constable Gilmer and wounding another constable.
Two men were arrested later in the day.
Constable Gilmer served as the elected constable of the Seventh District.
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BO-US-TN-B4CC3309- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
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Constable Gilmer served with the Maury County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Columbia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Constable James Westly Gilmer is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 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 64.8 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Maury County Constable's Office, 2 of 2 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. James Westly Gilmer's cause is highlighted.
How James Westly Gilmer Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Westly Gilmer is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Westly Gilmer was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Maury County Constable's Office are honored on badge.nw.
