Incident
Sheriff Thomas Caldwell was shot and killed when he responded to a residence to investigate reports that a man was threatening his family, and acting in an unstable manner.
The suspect shot Sheriff Caldwell as the sheriff knocked on the door.
The suspect barricaded himself in the home but was eventually shot and killed by a posse who surrounded the house.
Sheriff Caldwell had served with the Henry County Sheriff's Department for 5 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-CE985F3F- 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 Caldwell gave the Henry County Sheriff's Office 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Paris community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Caldwell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sheriff Thomas Preston Caldwell 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 Henry County Sheriff's Office, 5 of 6 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 83.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Thomas Preston Caldwell's cause is highlighted.
How Thomas Preston Caldwell Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Thomas Preston Caldwell is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Thomas Preston Caldwell was killed by shotgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Henry County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
