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Incident
Deputy James Work was shot and killed as he and another deputy went to a home to arrest a man wanted for cattle theft.
As they approached the home, the suspect, his brother, and a third man, opened fire on the deputies, killing Deputy Work. All three were apprehended in Denver, Colorado, a week later. In February of 1912 one, 23, was removed from jail to a hospital where he died from pneumonia.
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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 Work served with the Muskogee County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Muskogee community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Work.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Muskogee County Sheriff's Office has lost 7 officers; 7 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 403 officers killed feloniously in OK, 69.2% of the 582 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, 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 1911, 1 officer at Muskogee County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 6 years on record. The heaviest was 1932, with 2.
In 1911, 7 officers in OK were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 15.
In 1911, 149 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1911, 150 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
May holds 14.3% of these deaths at Muskogee County Sheriff's Office; June holds the most, 42.9%. Thursdays: 14.3%.
May holds 9.7% of these deaths in OK; June holds the most, 11.4%. Thursdays: 12.7%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 7 deaths at Muskogee County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 42.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.2% of all 582 deaths in OK, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 28% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Muskogee County Sheriff's Office has 7 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 16-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Muskogee County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
