Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Bedford was shot and killed while investigating several burglaries in the Nogal area of Lincoln County. He encountered two men, one of whom was carrying a rifle, and stopped to question them. During the questioning he had the men put the rifle on the hood of his patrol car. As he questioned them one of the men pulled a handgun from the other man's pocket and shot Deputy Bedford. After Deputy Beford fell the suspect stood over him and shot him four more times. The two escaped but were both eventually apprehended. They were convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison. Deputy Bedford had only served with the agency for a short time. He was survived by his wife and two children. A sheriff's department substation was named in memory of Deputy Bedford.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NM-ABB7DD7C- 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.
Deputy Sheriff Bedford served with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Carrizozo community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Bedford.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Thomas Chesley Bedford Jr. 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 NM, 123 of 193 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.7% of this state's fallen. That is 63.7 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, 8 of 9 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 88.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Thomas Chesley Bedford Jr.'s cause is highlighted.
How Thomas Chesley Bedford Jr. Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Thomas Chesley Bedford Jr. is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Thomas Chesley Bedford Jr. was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Lincoln County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
