Police Officer James Thomas Sawyer, Custer Police Department, South Dakota

Police Officer James Thomas Sawyer

Custer Police Department, South Dakota

End of Watch Tuesday, June 13, 1972

James Thomas Sawyer

Officer James Sawyer was shot and killed when he interrupted a burglary in progress at a local saloon. The suspects were able to take Officer Sawyer hostage. They then took him to a nearby hillside where they shot and killed him with execution style with his own weapon.

The suspect was convicted of Officer Sawyer's murder and sentenced to life without parole.

Officer Sawyer had served with the Custer Police Department for 2 years.

Bio

Age 26
Tour 2 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Sentenced to life

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Most Recent Reflection

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Although I don't remember meeting you as I was only a toddler when you left, my mother assured me we met. My mother and siblings spoke of you so much as I was growing up that you're time spent on the Custer Police Department had a significant impact on me. I've been a deputy for 12+ years. Thank you for being kind. For being fair. For being funny. For buying that woman's orange soda on a hot July day from the machine outside the police department. In many ways I've tried to follow the example in my career of the many stories I was told of you. Rest easy and in peace. I will never forget you.

D Lake Deputy Sheriff
South Dakota

May 11, 2018