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Incident
Sheriff George Wharton and Deputy Frank Brugh were shot and killed by a man they had just arrested on a train traveling between Victoria and Edna. The man was wanted for escaping from a prison in Billings, Montana. As the suspect was being put in a cell at the jail he was able to obtain a gun and mortally wounded both officers. Sheriff Wharton was able to return fire and kill the suspect as well.
Sheriff Wharton had been with the agency for three years.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Wharton gave the Jackson County Sheriff's Office 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Edna community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Wharton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Jackson County Sheriff's Office has lost 5 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
George is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
George is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
George 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 1903, 9 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1903, 103 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1903, 106 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 57th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
George was 42. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. George had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
George was 42. 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. George had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
George was 42. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. George had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 9% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Sundays: 16.2%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 80% of all 5 deaths at Jackson County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 10.4% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Jackson County Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, George among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 46-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Jackson County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.