Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, Texas
End of Watch Thursday, June 11, 1931
Add to My HeroesTommy Mellie Starnes
Corrections Officer Tommy Starnes served at the the Ferguson State Prison Farm near Midway in Madison County. He was on-duty at the state ferry which crossed the Trinity River between the prisons at Eastham and Ferguson. He went into the shack and placed his shotgun loaded with buckshot on the table. The shotgun fell off of the table and discharged. Fifteen buckshot struck Starnes, passing through his body. He died before aid could arrive from camp headquarters.
Starnes was survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Starnes of Midway; three brothers, Herman, Clyde and Bud; and three sisters, all of Midway. He was buried in the Harmony Cemetery in Huntsville, Walker County.
Bio
- Age 24
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire (Inadvertent)
Most Recent Reflection
View all 9 ReflectionsOfficer Starnes,
On today, the 90th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Texas. There is no tougher job in Law Enforcement than that of a Corrections Officer.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
June 11, 2021
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