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Incident
County Policeman Tom Fry was shot and killed near the Lakeview Tourist Camp while attempting to arrest a juvenile for disorderly conduct.
He had arrested the boy's brother several weeks earlier on a murder warrant and placed him in jail. He returned to the tourist camp area, where he encountered the juvenile along the highway and was shot twice.
The subject was convicted of Policeman Fry's murder and sentenced to life in prison. He escaped from prison in 1940 and assumed a new identity. He settled in North Carolina and started a family after serving in WWII. Authorities located him in 1956 and re-arrested him. He was extradited to Georgia but paroled one month later.
Policeman Fry had served with the Fannin County Police Department for four years and had previously served as the elected sheriff for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, four children, and five grandchildren.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
County Policeman Fry gave the Fannin County Police Department 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Blue Ridge community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, County Policeman Fry.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
James is the only officer of Fannin County Police Department remembered here.
James is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1936, 4 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
In 1936, 136 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1936, 136 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 38th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 56. Of the 481 killed feloniously in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. James had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 56. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 56. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 8% of these deaths in GA; December holds the most, 10.6%. Sundays: 16.4%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Fannin County Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun; .25 caliber, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.7% of all 905 deaths in GA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .25 caliber, in 0.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .25 caliber, in 0.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .25 caliber, in 0.1% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 24-ET
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Fannin County Police Department are honored on badge.nw.