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Incident
Deputy Drahota was killed in an automobile accident while attempting to make a traffic stop. He and the sheriff observed an underage driver on Highway 81 five miles north of Madison. As the sheriff attempted to make a U-turn to stop the car they were struck by another vehicle. Deputy Drahota was transported to Lady of Lourdes Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Deputy Drahota had served with the agency for 5 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and nine 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.
Deputy Sheriff Drahota gave the Madison County Sheriff's Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Madison community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Drahota.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
James is the only officer of Madison County Sheriff's Department remembered here.
James is one of 36 officers lost to accidents in NE, 23.8% of the 151 remembered there.
James is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James 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 1962, 1 officer in NE was lost to accidents, the 5th heaviest of 32 years on record. The heaviest was 1917, with 2.
In 1962, 69 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 51st heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1962, 80 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 57th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 52. Of the 33 lost to accidents in NE whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 53; the middle age was 40. James had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
James was 52. 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. James had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 52. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. James had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 8.3% of these deaths in NE; January holds the most, 13.9%. Saturdays: 19.4%.
October holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
October holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Madison County Sheriff's Department.
Accident deaths account for 23.8% of all 151 deaths in NE, 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.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 39-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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