Roll of Honor
Incident
Chief Campbell was shot and killed as he and one of his officers attempted to arrest a man for beating his wife. As the two approached the man's home the man fired one shot, striking Chief Campbell in the forehead. The suspect fled but was caught by the other officer a short distance away. He was charged and jailed for murder. He was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death. On October 25, 1915, he and 17 other prisoners escaped from the Knoxville Jail. Five days later he was captured near Norton, Virginia. Two months later his sentence was commuted to life.
Survivors
Chief Campbell was survived by his wife and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-671AE130- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew George. 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.
Chief Campbell served with the Johnson City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Johnson City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief Campbell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Chief George F. Campbell is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In TN, 498 of 769 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 64.8% of this state's fallen. That is 10.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Johnson City Police Department, 3 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 75% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. George F. Campbell's cause is highlighted.
How George F. Campbell Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. George F. Campbell is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. George F. Campbell was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Johnson City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
