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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Lester Tatum was killed in a vehicle crash while responding to a burglary in progress call.
The reporting party told the 911 operator that weapons were involved, and a woman was alone with two young children.
Deputy Tatum left Groveton for Carlisle with his lights and his siren activated, heading south on FM 355. As he entered a right-hand curve near Old Onalaska Road, his squad car left the road on the left-hand side. The car struck several pine trees, and the engine compartment caught fire. The fire was put out by members of the Groveton Volunteer Fire Department. Deputy Tatum died at the scene.
Deputy Tatum was the canine handler for Trinity County and had served with the Trinity County Sheriff's Office for only seven months. He had previously served with the Polk County Precinct 1 Constable's Office and had a total of 15 years of law enforcement service.
Deputy Tatum had served with the Trinity County Sheriff's Office for 15 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, two daughters, parents, and two grandchildren.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
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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.
Deputy Sheriff Tatum gave the Trinity County Sheriff's Office 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Groveton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Tatum.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Trinity County Sheriff's Department has lost 5 officers; 3 of them lost to accidents.
Lester is one of 657 officers lost to accidents in TX, 27.1% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Lester is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Lester is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2005, 8 officers in TX were lost to accidents, the 14th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1994, with 14.
In 2005, 71 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 44th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2005, 87 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 43rd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Lester was 42. Of the 626 lost to accidents in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 46; the middle age was 36. Lester had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Lester was 42. 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. Lester had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Lester was 42. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Lester had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 11.7% of these deaths in TX, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 16.1%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 60% of all 5 deaths at Trinity County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 27.1% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Trinity County Sheriff's Department has 5 officers remembered here, Lester among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 48-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Trinity County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
