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Incident
Deputy Sheriff John Cramer was shot and killed by a prisoner one mile west of Clint, Texas. He had arrested the man for abusing a woman and was transporting him to a justice of the peace to obtain charges. The prisoner, who had not been handcuffed, suddenly pulled out a knife and stabbed Deputy Cramer in the abdomen several times before disarming him and fatally shooting him. His body was found in his car and his service revolver was missing. Three hours later the prisoner was shot and killed when he opened fire on officers attempting to arrest him. Deputy Cramer had served with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office for eight years.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Cramer gave the El Paso County Sheriff's Office 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the El Paso community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Cramer.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
El Paso County Sheriff's Office has lost 9 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1940, 1 officer at El Paso County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1940, 7 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 89th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1940, 91 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1940, 226 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 55. Of the 6 killed feloniously at El Paso County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 51.8; the middle age was 40. John had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
John was 55. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. John had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
John was 55. 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. John had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 55. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 16.7% of these deaths at El Paso County Sheriff's Office; November holds the most, 33.3%. Fridays: 16.7%.
April holds 7.3% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Fridays: 15.5%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 9 deaths at El Paso County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 16.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.9% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
El Paso County Sheriff's Office has 9 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 29-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from El Paso County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
