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Incident
Deputy Sheriff James Bryant was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while he and his partner questioned the driver of a suspicious vehicle during a traffic stop on Route 58.
A vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed struck Deputy Bryant and then fled the scene. The driver was eventually identified and arrested. The man was convicted of the charges in connection with Deputy Bryant's death.
Deputy Bryant was survived by his wife and two sons.
Survivors
Deputy Bryant was survived by his wife and two sons.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Bryant served with the Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Chatham community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Bryant.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office has lost 8 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James 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 1936, 1 officer at Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1936, 10 officers in VA were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1936, 136 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1936, 136 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 38th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 49. Of the 4 killed feloniously at Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 41.3 and 51.5; the middle age was 46.
James was 49. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38.
James was 49. 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.
James was 49. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
January holds 40% of these deaths at Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office, more than any other month. Sundays: 20%.
January holds 5.9% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Sundays: 18.6%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 62.5% of all 8 deaths at Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 20% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.6% 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 automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office has 8 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 29-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
