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Terry Thomas O'Connell
Incident
Deputy Sheriff O'Connell was shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop at the intersection of Highway 30 and Route Y near Dittmer. At 11:00 a.m., Deputy O'Connell pulled over a driver who was speeding. As he approached the car, the driver suddenly produced a handgun and shot him multiple times before fleeing. The suspect, who had narcotic convictions, was apprehended after a long manhunt and sentenced to life in prison. Deputy O'Connell had served with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department for four months and previously served with the Fenton Police Department, St. Louis County Sheriff's Department, and Marlborough Police Department for over nine years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two stepchildren, parents, sister, and brother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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 O'Connell gave the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Hillsboro community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff O'Connell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Jefferson County Sheriff's Department has lost 4 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Terry is one of 527 officers killed feloniously in MO, 63.6% of the 829 remembered there.
Terry is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Terry 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 1978, 3 officers in MO were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 146 years on record. The heaviest was 1920, with 16.
In 1978, 121 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1978, 135 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Terry had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Terry had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Terry had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 9.7% of these deaths in MO; December holds the most, 11%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.6% of all 829 deaths in MO, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.1% 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, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Jefferson County Sheriff's Department has 4 officers remembered here, Terry among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 3-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Jefferson County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
