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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Francis Alford was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man who was shooting his guns in the air near a picnic in Birchwood.
Deputy Alford deputized a citizen to help him arrest the man. As they approached him the man shot Deputy Alford in the head, killing him. The man was arrested after engaging in a shootout with the deputized civilian.
The man was convicted of Deputy Alford's murder and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
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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 Alford served with the James County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Ooltewah community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Alford.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
James County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Francis is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 remembered there.
Francis is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Francis is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1912, 6 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1912, 133 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1912, 135 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Francis was 43. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41.
Francis was 43. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Francis was 43. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
July holds 8.8% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Thursdays: 12.7%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at James 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 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
James County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Francis among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 24-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from James County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.