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Incident
Marshal Sanford was shot and killed at 1400 hours when he was ambushed while eating in a local restaurant. A suspect approached the man and shot him without saying a word. The suspect was apprehended by the military.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
158 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
City Marshal Sanford served with the Jefferson Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Jefferson community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
William is the only officer of Jefferson Police Department remembered here.
William is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William 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 1868, 2 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 166th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1868, 20 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 161st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1868, 26 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 160th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 32. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
William was 32. 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.
William was 32. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
November holds 8.4% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Fridays: 15.5%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Jefferson Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% 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.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 14-E
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