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Incident
Sheriff James Posey was shot and killed after voluntarily taking the place of four hostages at a roadblock on Jackson Liberty Drive, at Bogue Chitto Road, in Lincoln County. The subject had abducted a woman and her three children from Franklin County earlier in the day during an attempt to extort them. The man fired at Sheriff Posey and a Franklin County constable as they attempted to arrest him following the initial abduction. The man was able to escape with the hostages and fled in a stolen car. Members of the Mississippi Highway Patrol setup roadblocks throughout the area, including one on Liberty Jackson Road. The vehicle came to a stop at the roadblock and Sheriff Posey was called to the scene. Upon his arrival he volunteered to exchange himself for the hostages. Moments after the exchange the man shot Sheriff Posey in the chest as they both sat in a police car at a roadblock in Lincoln County. After Sheriff Posey fell from the car other deputies returned fire and killed the suspect. Deputy Posey was serving his second term as sheriff.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two teenage children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Posey served with the Franklin County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Meadville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Posey.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Franklin County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 243 officers killed feloniously in MS, 69.4% of the 350 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 1982, 1 officer in MS was killed feloniously, the 70th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1981, with 6.
In 1982, 122 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1982, 142 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 37. Of the 222 killed feloniously in MS whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 53; the middle age was 41.
James was 37. 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 37. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
September holds 10.7% of these deaths in MS; December holds the most, 12.3%. Wednesdays: 16.5%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Franklin County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.4% of all 350 deaths in MS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 16% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Franklin County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 26-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Franklin County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.