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Incident
Deputy Blankenship was shot and killed while riding in a posse that was searching for several inmates who had just escaped from the county jail. The inmates setup an ambush about three miles from Waco. As the posse approached the suspects opened fire on them. The posse returned fire and in the ensuing shootout Deputy Blankenship was mortally wounded. The suspects were all apprehended. The man who prisoner identified as the person who shot Deputy Blankenship was shot and killed as he tried to escape from the posse a second time.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
153 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy Sheriff Blankenship served with the McLennan County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Waco community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
McLennan County Sheriff's Office has lost 7 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Burwell is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Burwell is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Burwell 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 1873, 9 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1873, 28 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 157th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1873, 34 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 155th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
July holds 9.4% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 42.9% of all 7 deaths at McLennan County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 33.3% 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 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
McLennan County Sheriff's Office has 7 officers remembered here, Burwell among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 32-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from McLennan County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
