National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

Officer Rank: Constable

Memorial Panel: 23-W: 22

Department: Colorado County, Texas, C.O., Pct. 1

End of Watch: June 26, 1893

Cause: HORSE

Age: 27

Years of Service: 4

Description: Constable Thomas Townsend and Constable A. Townsend responded on horseback to a disturbance call after hearing someone screaming in the distance. The constables decided to take a short-cut through a dark wooded area. As they proceeded to the sound in the darkness, they ran into a barbwire fence. Both constables were thrown violently to the ground. Constable Thomas Townsend sustained cuts to his face and was knocked unconscious when his horse fell on top of him. Constable A. Townsend sustained minor injuries, and was able to pull the horse off of his brother. Constable Thomas Townsend had internal bleeding, and was confined to bed before succumbing to his injuries three months later. Constable A. Townsend was appointed to the head constable position after his brother's death. Unfortunately, he was also killed in the line of duty six months later.