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Incident
Deputy Sheriff James Diamond was shot and killed with his own service weapon while attempting to arrest a man for creating a disturbance on Court Street. The man fled into Vickers Alley and was pursued by Deputy Diamond. During the ensuing struggle, the man was able to gain control of Deputy Diamond's service weapon and shot him. The suspect was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to one year in prison on October 14th, 1941.
Survivors
Deputy Diamond was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Diamond served with the Kanawha County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Charleston community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Diamond.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Kanawha County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 169 officers killed feloniously in WV, 72.8% of the 232 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, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1941, 3 officers in WV were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 79 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
In 1941, 92 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 61st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1941, 260 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 55. Of the 147 killed feloniously in WV whose age is recorded, half were between 31.5 and 47.5; the middle age was 39.
James 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.
James was 55. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
August holds 14.2% of these deaths in WV, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 17.2%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Kanawha County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 72.8% of all 232 deaths in WV, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 8.3% 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
Kanawha County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 60-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Kanawha County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.