On July 8, 2025, members of the Hunt County Sheriff's Office joined the Wolfe City Police Department in commemorating the 50th anniversary of the death of Officer Tom Ellis White, who was killed in the line of duty on July 8, 1975. The memorial ceremony took place in Wolfe City, Texas.
Chief Deputy Buddy Oxford delivered the closing remarks during the service, and the Hunt County Honor Guard participated in honoring Officer White's legacy.
Officer Tom Ellis White, 64, had served in law enforcement for 22 years. On the night of July 8, 1975, while sitting in his patrol car in front of the Wolfe City National Bank, Officer White was shot and killed from ambush. According to reports, the shooter was part of a group of men who had been drinking earlier that evening and had stolen a .22 caliber rifle. After firing at a street light, the suspect claimed he could shoot Officer White from half the distance.
Later, after the group separated, the suspect found Officer White and fatally shot him in the head as he sat in his patrol unit. The suspect stole Officer White's service weapon and fled the scene. A delivery truck driver discovered Officer White in his vehicle, with the door open and one foot resting on the pavement.
The suspect was arrested days later and convicted of capital murder, receiving a life sentence. However, the conviction was overturned on appeal due to uncorroborated witness testimony.
At the time of his death, Officer White was Wolfe City's only patrol officer. He was survived by his wife and four children.
