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Loranzie Floyd McGlothlin
Incident
Prohibition Officer Loranzie McGlothlin succumbed to a gunshot wound inflicted the previous night while confronting a man outside a local theatre in Richlands, Virginia.
He had been at the theatre with his wife and was leaving when he encountered a group of drunk miners who were using offensive language and causing a disturbance.
When Officer McGlothlin confronted the men, one of them continued to use abusive language directed at Officer McGlothlin and his wife. When the officer attempted to force the man to stop, the man fled behind the building. Thinking that the man was going to dispose of a bottle of whiskey, Officer McGlothlin pursued him. The man suddenly produced a revolver and shot Officer McGlothlin. Despite being mortally wounded, Officer McGlothlin was able to return fire and fatally wounded the suspect.
Officer McGlothlin had served in law enforcement in Tazewell County for approximately 10 years. In addition to being a prohibition officer for Tazewell County, he also held commissions as a special officer for the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and as a special policeman for the Jewell Ridge Coal Company.
He was survived by his wife and four children.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four 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.
Prohibition Officer McGlothlin gave the Tazewell County Sheriff's Office 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Tazewell community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Prohibition Officer McGlothlin.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Tazewell County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Loranzie is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
Loranzie is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Loranzie 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 1934, 6 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 10th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1934, 178 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1934, 179 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Loranzie had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Loranzie had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Loranzie had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 5.9% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Sundays: 18.6%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Tazewell County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 25.7% 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 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
Tazewell County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, Loranzie among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 64-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Tazewell County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
