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Incident
Deputy Buchanan and Sheriff Thomas Ragsdale were shot and killed as they attempted to serve warrants on suspected horse thiefs. As the officers approached the house the two brothers opened fire, killing them.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
141 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy Sheriff Buchanan served with the Fannin County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Bonham community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Fannin County Sheriff's Office has lost 5 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Joseph is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Joseph 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 1885, 17 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1885, 62 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 121st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1885, 66 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Joseph was 54. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
Joseph was 54. 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.
Joseph was 54. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
May holds 7.3% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Tuesdays: 11.2%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 60% of all 5 deaths at Fannin County Sheriff's Office, 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
Fannin County Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, Joseph among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 62-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Fannin County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
