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Incident
Deputy Johnny Swafford was shot and killed when he and his partner responded to a domestic disturbance at a mobile home at 2130 hours. As the deputies approached the home the suspect opened fire with a handgun, striking Deputy Swafford in the arm and stomach. His partner returned fire but the suspect fled into a neighboring county. The suspect was arrested after a lengthy standoff. He was sentenced to 99 years in prison. He was later paroled and put on probation, but killed an elderly man and was sentenced to life in prison and died there.
Survivors
Deputy Swafford had been with the agency for six months and was survived by his wife, son and daughter.
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 Swafford served with the Rhea County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Dayton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Swafford.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Rhea County Sheriff's Department has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Johnny is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 remembered there.
Johnny is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Johnny 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 1975, 6 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1975, 163 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1975, 181 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Johnny was 26. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41. Johnny had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Johnny was 26. 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. Johnny had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Johnny was 26. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Johnny had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 6.2% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Thursdays: 12.7%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Rhea County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 24.1% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Rhea County Sheriff's Department has 4 officers remembered here, Johnny among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 6-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Rhea County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
