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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Frank Venable was shot and killed by a prisoner at the Bell County Jail.
He and another deputy were returning a prisoner to his cell when another inmate reached through the bars, grabbed Deputy Venable's gun, and shot him to death. The other deputy returned fire, killing the inmate.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
148 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy Sheriff Venable served with the Bell County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Belton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Bell County Sheriff's Department has lost 6 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Frank is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Frank is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Frank 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 1878, 12 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1878, 51 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 139th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1878, 54 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 136th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Frank was 26. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
Frank was 26. 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.
Frank was 26. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
October holds 7.2% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Wednesdays: 13.1%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 33.3% of all 6 deaths at Bell County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, 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
Bell County Sheriff's Department has 6 officers remembered here, Frank among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 44-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Bell County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
