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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Ed Penney was shot and killed while attempting to serve a warrant on a man in Duncan Town for attempting to burn down his home and barn. When Deputy Penney arrived at the scene, he told the man he was under arrest. The man initially cooperated but suddenly produced a .38 caliber pistol and shot Deputy Penney. Despite being mortally wounded, Deputy Penney was able to take the suspect into custody with the help of a taxicab driver who had accompanied him. He succumbed to his wound as the taxicab driver drove them towards the county jail. The suspect was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to five years. Deputy Penney also served as the Chief of Police of Decherd and was running for Sheriff of Franklin County Sheriff's Department at the time of his death.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
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 Penney served with the Franklin County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Winchester community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Penney.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Franklin County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 1 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 1944, 2 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 78th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1944, 59 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 129th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1944, 74 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 100th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 52. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41.
John was 52. 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 52. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Thursdays: 12.7%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Franklin County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 24.1% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Franklin County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Franklin County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
