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Incident
City Marshal J. H. Swinford was shot and killed by six men he surprised looting the State Bank.
The cashier, who lived above the bank, became suspicious about two men who were loitering around the bank. While others remained on guard, the clerk summoned Marshal Swinford. With revolvers drawn, the cashier went to the bank door, and Marshal Swinford approached the men. One of the men opened fire, killing Marshal Swinford instantly, and critically wounded the cashier, who died that night.
The suspects fled the scene with a posse in pursuit. Two were captured but later released.
Marshal Swinford was survived by his wife and two children.
Survivors
Marshal Swinford was survived by his wife and two 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.
City Marshal Swinford served with the Kiefer Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Kiefer community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, City Marshal Swinford.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Kiefer Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 403 officers killed feloniously in OK, 69.2% of the 582 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, 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 1909, 14 officers in OK were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 15.
In 1909, 99 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 52nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1909, 103 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 29. Of the 335 killed feloniously in OK whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 49; the middle age was 42.
James was 29. 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 29. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
August holds 7.4% of these deaths in OK; June holds the most, 11.4%. Mondays: 12.7%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Kiefer Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.2% of all 582 deaths in OK, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 7.9% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Kiefer Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 36-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Kiefer Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
