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Incident
Deputy Sheriff William Thompson was shot and killed as he and several other deputies raided a barn on the Powell River, 12 miles from Tazewell near the Virginia border, where an illegal still was being operated. Because of a rough road, the deputies were forced to park their car and walk approximately one mile to the home. As they walked past the home the homeowner opened fire on them with a shotgun, striking Deputy Thompson and another deputy. The other deputies returned fire and struck the subject, fatally wounding him. The deputy who wasn't wounded returned to town to notify the sheriff and to get assistance. Deputy Thompson was taken to a hospital in Middlesboro, Kentucky, where he succumbed to his wounds. Deputy Thompson had served with the Claiborne County Sheriff's Office for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and several children.
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 Thompson gave the Claiborne County Sheriff's Office 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Tazewell community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Thompson.
— 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.
William is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William 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 1931, 1 officer at Claiborne County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1931, 12 officers in TN were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1931, 221 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1931, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 50. 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. William had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 5.5 years.
William was 50. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41. William had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
William was 50. 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. William had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 50. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 50% of these deaths at Claiborne County Sheriff's Office, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 16.7%.
August holds 10.2% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Tuesdays: 13.1%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 6 deaths at Claiborne County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 12.7% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Claiborne County Sheriff's Office has 6 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 50-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Claiborne County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
