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Incident
Sheriff Thomas Swafford was shot and killed from ambush while sitting in a vehicle in front of a store that he owned in Pikeville.
He was speaking to two deputies when two unidentified men opened fire on him from across the street. One of the bullets struck him in the spine. He was taken to a local hospital where he died the following day. His wife, who was inside of the store, was also shot and wounded.
The two men who shot him fled the scene. It is not known if they were ever apprehended. The story of his murder, that is still discussed by the locals, was the result of an old feud that got worse when he was elected sheriff.
Sheriff Swafford had served as sheriff for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children
Sheriff Swafford, On today, the 90th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Bledsoe County.
In Our Keeping
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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.
Sheriff Swafford gave the Bledsoe County Sheriff's Office 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Pikeville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Swafford.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Bledsoe County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Thomas is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Thomas 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 1932, 7 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1932, 210 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1932, 210 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Thomas was 40. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41. Thomas had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Thomas was 40. 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. Thomas had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thomas was 40. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 6.6% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Tuesdays: 13.1%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Bledsoe County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 24.1% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Bledsoe County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, Thomas among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 39-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Bledsoe County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
