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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Elmer Singleton was shot and killed by an intoxicated man when he and three other deputies stopped to render aid to a woman who was calling for assistance. The man opened fire on the four deputies, striking Deputy Singleton in the chest and leg. Deputies returned fire hitting the suspect in the hand, abdomen, back, and chest. Deputy Singleton was taken to a local hospital where he died two weeks later. The suspect, 26, was hospitalized in fair condition.
Deputy Singleton had served with the Claiborne County Sheriff's Office for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, four children, mother, and three siblings.
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.
Deputy Sheriff Singleton gave the Claiborne County Sheriff's Office 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Tazewell community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Singleton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Claiborne County Sheriff's Office has lost 6 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
Elmer is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 remembered there.
Elmer is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Elmer 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 1968, 1 officer at Claiborne County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1968, 3 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 54th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1968, 91 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1968, 91 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 73rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Elmer was 33. Of the 6 killed feloniously at Claiborne County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 35 and 49.8; the middle age was 45. Elmer had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 5.5 years.
Elmer was 33. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41. Elmer had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Elmer was 33. 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. Elmer had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Elmer was 33. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Elmer had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 16.7% of these deaths at Claiborne County Sheriff's Office; August holds the most, 50%. Fridays: 33.3%.
September holds 9% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Fridays: 14.9%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 6 deaths at Claiborne County Sheriff's Office.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Claiborne County Sheriff's Office has 6 officers remembered here, Elmer among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 49-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Claiborne County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
