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Avant Burmeister Coward
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Avant Coward was shot and killed on the front lawn of the county jail on Broadway Street in Jourdanton. Deputy Coward had sent a message to the man earlier in the day, requesting that he come to the jail to answer questions about cattle rustling. The man arrived at the jail with a shotgun and immediately exchanged shots with Deputy Coward. Both men were fatally wounded. Deputy Coward had served with the Atascosa County Sheriff's Department for 20 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, four daughters, and one granddaughter.
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
20 years. You could have gone home.
Deputy Sheriff Coward gave the Atascosa County Sheriff's Department 20 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Jourdanton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Coward.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Atascosa County Sheriff's Department has lost 7 officers; 7 of them killed feloniously.
Avant is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Avant is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Avant 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 1952, 1 officer at Atascosa County Sheriff's Department was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 6 years on record. The heaviest was 1999, with 2.
In 1952, 2 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 166th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1952, 71 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 100th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1952, 74 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 100th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Avant was 46. Of the 7 killed feloniously at Atascosa County Sheriff's Department whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 39.5; the middle age was 32. Avant had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 3.5 years.
Avant was 46. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Avant had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Avant was 46. 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. Avant had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Avant was 46. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Avant had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 28.6% of these deaths at Atascosa County Sheriff's Department; October holds the most, 28.6%. Saturdays: 28.6%.
August holds 8% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Saturdays: 16.6%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 7 deaths at Atascosa County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 14.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Atascosa County Sheriff's Department has 7 officers remembered here, Avant among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 42-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Atascosa County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
