Roll of Honor
Incident
Sheriff Thomas Swafford was shot and killed from ambush while sitting in a vehicle in front of a store that he owned in Pikeville.
He was speaking to two deputies when two unidentified men opened fire on him from across the street. One of the bullets struck him in the spine. He was taken to a local hospital where he died the following day. His wife, who was inside of the store, was also shot and wounded.
The two men who shot him fled the scene. It is not known if they were ever apprehended. The story of his murder, that is still discussed by the locals, was the result of an old feud that got worse when he was elected sheriff.
Sheriff Swafford had served as sheriff for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children
Sheriff Swafford, On today, the 90th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Bledsoe County.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-9AA39D10- 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.
Sheriff Swafford gave the Bledsoe County Sheriff's Office 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Pikeville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Swafford.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sheriff Thomas James Swafford 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 Bledsoe County Sheriff's Office, 4 of 4 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. Thomas James Swafford's cause is highlighted.
How Thomas James Swafford Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Thomas James Swafford is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Thomas James Swafford was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Bledsoe County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
