Smith County Sheriff's Office, Texas
End of Watch: Monday, March 28, 2011
Age: 54
Tour of Duty: 19 years
Badge Number: 54
Cause of Death: Animal related
Date of Incident: March 24, 2011
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Deputy Sheriff Robert Britton succumbed to injuries sustained four days earlier when he was attacked by an injured cow while directing traffic around the animal.
Deputy Britton responded to the scene of a a vehicle collision between a car and cow on Farm Road 344. As he directed traffic around the injured cow, it unexpectedly charged him and knocked him into the air. Deputy Britton landed on his head and suffered severe head injuries. The cow continued attacking him until other deputies were able to pull him to safety.
Deputy Britton was transported to East Texas Medical Center where he remained until succumbing to his injuries.
Deputy Britton had served with the Smith County Sheriff's Office for 19 years. He is survived by his two children.