Roll of Honor
Incident
City Marshal J. H. Swinford was shot and killed by six men he surprised looting the State Bank.
The cashier, who lived above the bank, became suspicious about two men who were loitering around the bank. While others remained on guard, the clerk summoned Marshal Swinford. With revolvers drawn, the cashier went to the bank door, and Marshal Swinford approached the men. One of the men opened fire, killing Marshal Swinford instantly, and critically wounded the cashier, who died that night.
The suspects fled the scene with a posse in pursuit. Two were captured but later released.
Marshal Swinford was survived by his wife and two children.
Survivors
Marshal Swinford was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OK-FA76B327- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
City Marshal Swinford served with the Kiefer Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Kiefer community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, City Marshal Swinford.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
City Marshal James Henry Swinford 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 OK, 403 of 582 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 69.2% of this state's fallen. That is 69.2 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Kiefer Police Department, 1 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Henry Swinford's cause is highlighted.
How James Henry Swinford Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Henry Swinford is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Henry Swinford was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Kiefer Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
