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Incident
Deputy Sheriff James Gamble was shot and killed as he and his partner stopped to assist what they believed was a motorist and his companion who were stuck in the mud. They were unaware the pair had just failed in an attempt to blow the safe in the Grand Kane Post Office. As they approached the vehicle one of the occupants suddenly opened fire with a rifle killing Deputy Gamble instantly and seriously wounding the other deputy as he dove for cover. The suspects then took their patrol car and drove it into a ditch. As other drivers stopped at the scene the suspects told them that they were deputies and the other two were robbers. Most DeSoto Parrish deputies did not wear uniforms. When a young boy came out of hiding, the suspects ran from the scene as he told what really happened. The 35-year-old gunman and his 29-year-old accomplice were apprehended in Houston, Texas, two weeks later. The gunman, an ex-convict, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. He was paroled on November 3, 1960. Three months later he was arrested in Bellville, Texas, after he robbed a post office near there. On February 10, 1961, a Texas officer shot and killed him when he bolted from his patrol car as he was being transported from the Bellville Jail to another jail. His accomplice who was also charged with murder had his murder charge dismissed after he turned states evidence. He was convicted of attempted robbery of the post office and sentenced to three years in Atlanta Federal Penitentiary. The other deputy, who nearly had his arm blown off, was forced to retire. Deputy Gamble had served in law enforcement for 30 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his two daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
30 years. You could have gone home.
Deputy Sheriff Gamble gave the DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office 30 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Mansfield community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Gamble.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 364 officers killed feloniously in LA, 61.2% of the 595 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 1954, 3 officers in LA were killed feloniously, the 38th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1900, with 7.
In 1954, 76 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 92nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1954, 77 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 97th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 65. Of the 310 killed feloniously in LA whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 48; the middle age was 40. James had served 30 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
James was 65. 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 30 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 65. 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 30 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 6.9% of these deaths in LA; July holds the most, 11.3%. Sundays: 16.5%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.2% of all 595 deaths in LA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 7.4% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 54-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
