Bledsoe County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee
End of Watch Tuesday, October 11, 1932
Add to My HeroesThomas James Swafford
Sheriff Thomas Swafford was shot and killed from ambush while sitting in a vehicle in front of a store that he owned in Pikeville.
He was speaking to two deputies when two unidentified men opened fire on him from across the street. One of the bullets struck him in the spine. He was taken to a local hospital where he died the following day. His wife, who was inside of the store, was also shot and wounded.
The two men who shot him fled the scene. It is not known if they were ever apprehended. The story of his murder, that is still discussed by the locals, was the result of an old feud that got worse when he was elected sheriff.
Sheriff Swafford had served as sheriff for two years. He was survived by his wife and four children
Bio
- Age 40
- Tour 2 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Monday, October 10, 1932
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Not available
Most Recent Reflection
View all 3 ReflectionsSheriff Swafford,
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 Bledsoe County.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
October 11, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths

Sergeant Cory Maynard
West Virginia State Police, WV
EOW: June 2, 2023

Corporal Shawn Kelly
Denham Springs Police Department, LA
EOW: June 2, 2023

Corrections Deputy Marcus Zeigler
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, OH
EOW: May 26, 2023

Police Officer Horren Randy Tyler
Madison Police Department, MS
EOW: June 1, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Caleb Conley
Scott County Sheriff's Office, KY
EOW: May 22, 2023

Sergeant Michael Kunovich
St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: May 19, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Brett Harris
Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: May 13, 2023

Sergeant Joshua Lee Clouse
Cameron Police Department, TX
EOW: May 11, 2023

Port Police Officer Kimberly Sickafoose
Alabama Port Authority Police, AL
EOW: May 11, 2023