Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff William Thompson was shot and killed as he and several other deputies raided a barn on the Powell River, 12 miles from Tazewell near the Virginia border, where an illegal still was being operated. Because of a rough road, the deputies were forced to park their car and walk approximately one mile to the home. As they walked past the home the homeowner opened fire on them with a shotgun, striking Deputy Thompson and another deputy. The other deputies returned fire and struck the subject, fatally wounding him. The deputy who wasn't wounded returned to town to notify the sheriff and to get assistance. Deputy Thompson was taken to a hospital in Middlesboro, Kentucky, where he succumbed to his wounds. Deputy Thompson had served with the Claiborne County Sheriff's Office for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and several children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-4EABF9E8- 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 Thompson gave the Claiborne County Sheriff's Office 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Tazewell community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Thompson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff William S. Thompson 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 Claiborne County Sheriff's Office, 6 of 6 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. William S. Thompson's cause is highlighted.
How William S. Thompson Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William S. Thompson is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William S. Thompson was killed by shotgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Claiborne County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
