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Ernest William Birt
Incident
Deputy Ernest Birt was shot in the back of the head and killed while on patrol. The suspect and Deputy Birt had a long-standing dispute.
Deputy Birt was making his rounds in the mining town of Crudup, AL around 10:00 a.m. on February 14, 1911. He was walking past the hotel and commissary when someone stepped out from the barber's shop and fired a shot from a pistol hitting Deputy Birt in the back of his head. Deputy Birt immediately fell to the ground and his assailant fled. Deputy Birt was taken to the office of local Dr. Camp who stated that the wounded deputy would not live. Sheriff Lister was notified about the shooting. Sheriff Lister and Deputy Farrar went to the scene to investigate. Dr. Camp pronounced Deputy Birt deceased at 1:10 p.m.
A twenty-three year old miner was arrested shortly after the shooting by Deputy Painter, who was also stationed in Crudup. Deputy Painter had been summoned shortly after the shooting and met the suspect, who confessed to the crime and surrendered. The suspect was a resident of a boardinghouse owned by my Mrs. Tucker, Deputy Birt's mother. The suspect and Deputy Birt had quarreled more than once about a half-sister of Deputy Birt's with whom the suspect had become involved. Deputy Birt had ordered the suspect to leave Crudup the morning of the shooting. The suspect refused to leave and waited on Deputy Birt to make his rounds when the shooting occurred.
Deputy Birt was buried at Bethany Cemetary near Reese Station the following day at 2:00 p.m.
The suspect stood trial for the murder in the Etowah County Ciruit Court. He was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 15 years. In June of 1912 the Alabama Supreme Court granted him a new trial.
Deputy Birt was survived by his wife and several children.
Survivors
Deputy Birt was survived by his wife and several children.
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.
Special Deputy Sheriff Birt served with the Etowah County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Gadsden community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Deputy Sheriff Birt.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Etowah County Sheriff's Department has lost 6 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Ernest is one of 405 officers killed feloniously in AL, 63% of the 643 remembered there.
Ernest is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Ernest 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 1911, 1 officer at Etowah County Sheriff's Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1911, 6 officers in AL were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 131 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 10.
In 1911, 149 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1911, 150 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Ernest was 34. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Etowah County Sheriff's Department whose age is recorded, half were between 39 and 45; the middle age was 43.
Ernest was 34. Of the 344 killed feloniously in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 49; the middle age was 40.
Ernest was 34. 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.
Ernest was 34. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
February holds 20% of these deaths at Etowah County Sheriff's Department; October holds the most, 20%. Tuesdays: 20%.
February holds 5.2% of these deaths in AL; September holds the most, 9.9%. Tuesdays: 15.1%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 83.3% of all 6 deaths at Etowah County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 40% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63% of all 643 deaths in AL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 19.8% 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
Etowah County Sheriff's Department has 6 officers remembered here, Ernest among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 63-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Etowah County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
