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Incident
Deputy Thrift was shot and killed as a result of the Duncan-Altman Feud, a feud that had existed between two prominent Baker County families for more than 20 years.
Members of both families were on an excursion train north of Jacksonville just across the Georgia line when a fight broke out resulting in a Duncan and another man being shot and killed. Two Altman brothers accused of the shootings fled to there Baker County home which was surrounded by more than 50 armed friends. When Deputy Thrift went to the home to investigate he and another man were shot and killed by unknown men. Twenty one men were arrested and charged in connection with Deputy Thrift's murder, but no one was ever tried. The Altman brothers were acquitted of the murders of the two men on the train.
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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.
Deputy Sheriff Thrift served with the Baker County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Macclenny community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Thrift.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Baker County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Rufus is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.3% of the 1,006 remembered there.
Rufus is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Rufus 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 1904, 2 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 93rd heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1904, 83 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 78th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1904, 83 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 85th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
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 100% of all 2 deaths at Baker County Sheriff's Office.
Felonious deaths account for 53.3% of all 1,006 deaths in FL, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Baker County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Rufus among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 60-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Baker County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
