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Benjamin Lawrence O'Bryant
Incident
Special Deputy Sheriff Lon O'Bryant was shot and killed while investigating the sounds of gunshots near his home in Piedmont.
Moments after he heard the shots he encountered a buggy on the roadway near his home. He ordered the buggy to stop and for the occupants to put their hands up. The occupants, who had not heard the gunshots and were not familiar with Special Deputy O'Bryant, believed they were being robbed and one of them opened fire. Special Deputy O'Bryant was struck by the shot and fatally wounded.
The subject who shot him was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to once year in prison.
Special Deputy O'Bryant was survived by his wife, daughter, and sister.
Survivors
Special Deputy O'Bryant was survived by his wife, daughter, and sister.
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.
Special Deputy Sheriff O'Bryant served with the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Anniston community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Deputy Sheriff O'Bryant.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Calhoun County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Benjamin is one of 405 officers killed feloniously in AL, 63% of the 643 remembered there.
Benjamin is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Benjamin is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1918, 10 officers in AL were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1918, 165 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1918, 169 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Benjamin was 48. Of the 344 killed feloniously in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 49; the middle age was 40.
Benjamin was 48. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Benjamin was 48. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
October holds 8.6% of these deaths in AL; September holds the most, 9.9%. Sundays: 15.6%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Calhoun County Sheriff's Office, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63% of all 643 deaths in AL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 19.8% 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 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Calhoun County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, Benjamin among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 3-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Calhoun County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
