Prev
Incident
Deputy Amos Moss was shot and killed as he, another deputy, and a federal prohibition agent, attempted to arrest four suspects near Gainesboro, in Jackson County who were operating a liquor still.
The suspects fled in a car that the officers stopped. As they approached the car they were fired upon. Deputy Moss was killed at the scene and the other deputy suffered serious wounds.
Three of the occupants was arrested at the scene and other was arrested the following day. All four were tried and acquitted.
Deputy Moss was the father of five children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtq1a05bpk9swv10t33fy- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Orville. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Moss served with the Putnam County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Cookeville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Moss.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Putnam County Sheriff's Department has lost 4 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Orville is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 remembered there.
Orville is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Orville is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1930, 8 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1930, 239 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1930, 241 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Orville was 44. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41.
Orville was 44. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Orville was 44. Of the 15,854 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%. Tuesdays: 13.1%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Putnam County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.4% of these deaths.
His people
Putnam County Sheriff's Department has 4 officers remembered here, Orville among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 21-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Putnam County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
