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Incident
Sheriff James Long was shot and killed by the principal of Silverton High School following a dispute about school matters.
The principal had been accused of harassing male teachers who were living in a boarding house. The sheriff spoke to the principal about the matter after being asked to.
The principal went home and obtained his revolver following the conversation. He found Sheriff Long at the local drug store in Silverton and then fatally shot him as he exited the store. The principal was arrested and charged with Sheriff Long's murder. The trial ended in a mistrial after being moved to Hale County in a change of venue.
Sheriff Long had served with the Briscoe County Sheriff's Office for only six months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Long served with the Briscoe County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Silverton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Long.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
James is the only officer of Briscoe County Sheriff's Office remembered here.
James is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 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 1915, 16 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1915, 152 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1915, 157 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 29th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 40. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. James had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
James was 40. 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 had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 40. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 7.3% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Wednesdays: 13.1%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Briscoe County Sheriff's Office.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, 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.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 63-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Briscoe County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.