A century-old valor is vividly remembered as Tarrant County pays homage to one of its fallen heroes. Special Deputy Hamill Poston Scott, whose end of watch came on May 1, 1907, was commemorated on the anniversary of his death, with local authorities and the community pausing to honor his service and sacrifice.

The Tarrant County Sheriff's Office took to social media to reminisce about Deputy Scott's daring feats, recounting a career marked by gunfights and peril. According to the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office, before joining the force, Scott "worked for the Fort Worth and Denver Railroad, where he was involved in many gun fights with robbers and nearly burned to death in a derailed, overturned train." His tenure with the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office spanned a commendable ten years.

Tragedy struck on March 22, 1907, during the Fort Worth Fat Stock Show. Deputy Scott witnessed the murder of Tarrant County attorney Jefferson McLean and valiantly gave chase to the suspect, William Thomason. Despite being shot and rendered paralyzed, Scott's bold actions ultimately led to the suspect's capture. "As Deputy Scott entered the alley, Thomason shot him in the arm," the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office post detailed, then delivering a second shot that struck Scott's spinal cord.

Deputy Scott battled with his injuries for over a month before succumbing to them. His death at age 42 elicited a profound response from the community, with Tarrant County offices and many businesses shutting down to pay their respects at his funeral. He was survived by his wife, Margaret Campbell Scott. "citizens a Tarrant County were deeply touched by the death of Deputy Scott," the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office reflects, emphasizing the respect and admiration held for the late officer.

Each year, tales like Scott's are brought back to the forefront, not to simply revisit the past, but to uphold the legacy of those who have ardently served and protected their communities. Their stories remain a steadfast reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers and the sacrifices made in the name of public safety. As Tarrant County remembers, so too does a grateful nation, embracing its history, its heroes, and the courage they embodied.