Deputy Sheriff Lester Dewayne Tatum

Deputy Sheriff Lester Dewayne Tatum

Trinity County Sheriff's Office, Texas

End of Watch Wednesday, December 28, 2005

Add to My Heroes

Lester Dewayne Tatum

Deputy Sheriff Lester Tatum was killed in a vehicle crash while responding to a burglary in progress call.

The reporting party told the 911 operator that weapons were involved, and a woman was alone with two young children.

Deputy Tatum left Groveton for Carlisle with his lights and his siren activated, heading south on FM 355. As he entered a right-hand curve near Old Onalaska Road, his squad car left the road on the left-hand side. The car struck several pine trees, and the engine compartment caught fire. The fire was put out by members of the Groveton Volunteer Fire Department. Deputy Tatum died at the scene.

Deputy Tatum was the canine handler for Trinity County and had served with the Trinity County Sheriff's Office for only seven months. He had previously served with the Polk County Precinct 1 Constable's Office and had a total of 15 years of law enforcement service.

Deputy Tatum had served with the Trinity County Sheriff's Office for 15 years. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, parents, and two grandchildren.

Bio

  • Age 42
  • Tour 15 years
  • Badge 404

Incident Details

  • Cause Automobile crash

burglary

Most Recent Reflection

View all 153 Reflections

I turned 40 this last December and it was wonderful. I remember when you turned 40.
Lliam graduated May 15th. He’s the quiet calm that you were. Easy to smil or laughter but he’s reserved and thoughtful. Opinionated, but levelheaded.
It’s a bit surreal to me. I can still see him cradled in your arms. Les is a smart a** and absolutely brilliant. He pairs, plays two instruments, is a smart a** and gets into fights regularly. All completely called for, usually because he didn’t like what someone was doing. He has a beautifully naive sense of rightness , a mouth to stir trouble and a right hook that belongs to his momma. (And maybe you

Rebekah Tatum Parker
Daughter

June 16, 2023

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.