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Incident
Inspector John Morgan was shot and killed during a raid of a liquor still at a farm several miles from Hosford, Liberty County.
During the raid, the officers arrested one suspect. Inspector Morgan's partner went to search the barn and, as Inspector Morgan guarded the prisoner, he was shot in the back. The owner of the farm was later arrested for his murder.
The suspect, a very wealthy and popular farmer, said he was somewhere else when Inspector Morgan was shot. At his murder trial the jurors wanted to acquit him before the trial even started and did acquit him when the trial ended.
Inspector Morgan had served with the Florida State Beverage Department for one year.
Survivors
He was preceded in death by his wife and was survived by his two daughters.
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
You barely got started.
Inspector Morgan gave the Florida State Beverage Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Tallahassee community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Inspector Morgan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Florida State Beverage Department has lost 5 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.3% of the 1,006 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1936, 6 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1936, 136 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1936, 136 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 38th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 45. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36. John had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 5 years.
John was 45. 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. John had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 45. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 8.4% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Saturdays: 20.1%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 40% of all 5 deaths at Florida State Beverage Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 53.3% of all 1,006 deaths in FL, 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
Florida State Beverage Department has 5 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 23-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Florida State Beverage Department are honored on badge.nw.
