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Incident
Deputy Cleveland Jacobs was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man for stealing a pair of pants. Deputy Jacobs was pursuing a suspect who had stolen another man's trousers. The subject ran into a home. When Deputy Jacob's followed him, the subject shot him, striking him in the chest. Deputy Jacobs died before reaching the hospital. The suspect was arrested and convicted of the murder. He was sentenced to death and later hanged. His hanging was the only hanging in Seminole County history. Deputy Jacobs had served with the Seminole County Sheriff's Office for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
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 Jacobs gave the Seminole County Sheriff's Office 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Sanford community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Jacobs.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Seminole County Sheriff's Office has lost 8 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 1922, 6 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1922, 228 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1922, 306 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 28. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36. James had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
James was 28. 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 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 28. 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 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 9% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Thursdays: 14%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 8 deaths at Seminole County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, 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 shotgun, in 9% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Seminole County Sheriff's Office has 8 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 46-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Seminole County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
