Sylacauga Police Department, Alabama
End of Watch Thursday, September 18, 1952
Add to My HeroesRex A. Sanford
Officer Sanford was shot and killed as he and his partner attempted to take two men to the police station for questioning after they saw one of them throw a pistol from their car as they pulled up behind them in a drive-in parking lot at 4 a.m. Officer Sanford's partner returned fire striking the gunman three times as he fled the scene. He was apprehended two hours later in Montgomery.
The suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison January 16, 1953. He was paroled August 18, 1963. The man who was with him was not charged.
Officer Sanford had only served with the agency for 1 year. He was survived by his wife and son.
Bio
- Age 26
- Tour 1 year
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Paroled in 1963
Most Recent Reflection
View all 10 ReflectionsRest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
September 18, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths
Corporal Timothy J. O'Connor, Jr.
Pennsylvania State Police, PA
EOW: March 8, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Kaleb Mitchell
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: March 7, 2026
Master Trooper Steven J. Perry
North Carolina Highway Patrol, NC
EOW: March 1, 2026
Conservation Enforcement Officer Senior Shawn Nixon
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, AL
EOW: November 23, 2025
Corporal David M. Hathcock
Montgomery Police Department, AL
EOW: February 22, 2026
Correctional Officer Dustin Pedigo
Tennessee Department of Correction, TN
EOW: February 25, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Michael Hislope
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: February 24, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Gabriel Ramirez
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: February 23, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Kenneth Lewis
Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: February 23, 2026

