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Incident
Deputy Sheriff John Lamb was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man during a disturbance during elections in Sneedville.
A person who lived in a different district was attempting to vote. When another man attempted to stop him from voting he drew a gun. As Deputy Lamb attempted to arrest him the man opened fire, fatally wounding Deputy Lamb. The subject was also shot and killed in a gun battle involving several other citizens that resulted.
Deputy Lamb was survived by his wife, four sons, father, and two brothers.
Survivors
Deputy Lamb was survived by his wife, four sons, father, and two brothers.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Lamb served with the Hancock County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Sneedville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Lamb.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Hancock County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
John is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1900, 4 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1900, 86 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 74th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1900, 89 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 76th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 35. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41.
John was 35. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
John was 35. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
August holds 10.2% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Thursdays: 12.7%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Hancock County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 12.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Hancock County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Hancock County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
