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Incident
Chief Shumate was shot and killed while attempting to arrest an intoxicated man. During the arrest the suspect produced a revolver and shot Chief Shumate. Despite being mortally wounded, the chief was able to raise to his knees and shot the suspect four times, killing him.
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
128 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Chief of Police Shumate served with the LaFollette Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the LaFollette community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
LaFollette Police Department has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James 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 1898, 4 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1898, 89 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1898, 91 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 73rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
February holds 6.6% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Sundays: 15.5%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at LaFollette Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 12.4% 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
LaFollette Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 47-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from LaFollette Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
