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Incident
Constable H.L. Smith and Deputy Constable John Bratton were shot and killed by the brother of a man they had just arrested. They were taking the man to jail but allowed him to stop by his home to retrieve some property.
While inside the home the man attempted to grab a gun but was shot by Constable Smith. The suspect's brother, who was in the home, then opened fire on the officers, killing both.
Both brothers were arrested and charged with two counts of first degree murder.
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- August 2, 2026
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- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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139 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Constable Smith served with the Grant County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Sheridan community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Grant County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
H. is one of 249 officers killed feloniously in AR, 66.9% of the 372 remembered there.
H. is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
H. 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 1887, 2 officers in AR were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 106 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 8.
In 1887, 42 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 146th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1887, 47 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 145th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
February holds 7.6% of these deaths in AR; April holds the most, 10.8%. Tuesdays: 12.9%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Grant County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 66.9% of all 372 deaths in AR, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 13.3% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Grant County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, H. among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 7-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Grant County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.