Prev
Incident
Chief of Police Alman Lanford was killed in an automobile crash on Highway 10 (modern-day Route 377 Business), two-tenths of a mile south of Pilot Point.
Although there were no witnesses to the crash, it is believed that he was pursuing a speeding vehicle when a rear tire blew out, causing him to lose control of the vehicle on a sharp curve. The patrol car overturned several times and knocked down two poles.
Chief Lanford had served with the Denton Police Department for 23 years. He had been elected as chief the previous year.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, mother, and five siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnmt1jbed3qsn97x3esx- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Alman. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
23 years. You could have gone home.
Chief of Police Lanford gave the Denton Police Department 23 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Denton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Lanford.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Denton Police Department has lost 3 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Alman is one of 657 officers lost to accidents in TX, 27.1% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Alman is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Alman is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1957, 3 officers in TX were lost to accidents, the 86th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1994, with 14.
In 1957, 55 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 85th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1957, 69 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 75th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Alman was 53. Of the 626 lost to accidents in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 46; the middle age was 36. Alman had served 23 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Alman was 53. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Alman had served 23 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Alman was 53. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Alman had served 23 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 10% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 11.7%. Sundays: 12.6%.
May holds 8.6% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Sundays: 14%.
May holds 8.4% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Denton Police Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 27.1% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.7% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
His people
Denton Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Alman 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
2 officers from Denton Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
