Incident
Chief Deputy Bryant was shot and killed when a sudden burst of gunfire erupted at a labor disturbance outside the Samoset Cotton Mill in Talladega. More than a dozen other officers and workers were wounded. The Alabama National Guard had to be sent in to restore order and they arrested five suspects. One of the suspects was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 10 years in prison on November 14, 1936. He was released on bond as his appeals were heard. He began his sentence in 1938 and was pardoned a few weeks later by Governor Bibb Graves. Chief Deputy Bryant had served with the agency for 3.5 years.
In Our Keeping
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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.
Chief Deputy Bryant gave the Talladega County Sheriff's Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Talladega community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief Deputy Bryant.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Talladega County Sheriff's Department has lost 4 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 405 officers killed feloniously in AL, 63% of the 643 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1936, 4 officers in AL were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 131 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 10.
In 1936, 136 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1936, 136 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 38th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 30. Of the 344 killed feloniously in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 49; the middle age was 40. John had served 3.5 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
John was 30. 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. John had served 3.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 30. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 3.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 7.4% of these deaths in AL; September holds the most, 9.9%. Wednesdays: 11.9%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Talladega County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63% of all 643 deaths in AL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 23.5% 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, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Talladega County Sheriff's Department has 4 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 40-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Talladega County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.

