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Incident
Deputy Freeman was shot and killed during an escape from the county jail at Quincy. At about 7:30 pm, Deputy Freeman was taking a prisoner to the jail when he was ambushed by another prisoner. The prisoner had gotten out of his cell when a trustee found the cell key. He attacked the deputy with a piece of facing taken from a window, hitting him twice over the head. After being struck, the deputy fired twice, missing his attacker and yelling at the same time, possible to attract attention. After a scuffle, the prisoner got his weapon and shot him twice. Other people arrived and one man was left with the deputy while others went to get the sheriff and weapons. The prisoner then appeared and ordered the lone man out of his way and made his escape. He was later caught, convicted, and executed by hanging.
Survivors
Deputy Freeman was survived by his parents and three brothers.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Freeman served with the Gadsden County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Quincy community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Freeman.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Gadsden County Sheriff's Office has lost 6 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.3% of the 1,006 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, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1918, 2 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 93rd heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
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
James was 29. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36.
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
January holds 9.7% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Saturdays: 20.1%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 6 deaths at Gadsden County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was blunt object, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.3% of all 1,006 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was blunt object, in 1.3% 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 blunt object, in 1.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was blunt object, in 1.1% of these deaths.
His people
Gadsden County Sheriff's Office has 6 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 37-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Gadsden County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
