Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Hoyle was shot and killed while arresting a drunk man. The suspect broke free, produced a pistol, and shot Patrolman Hoyle.
The 21-year-old suspect was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 13 years in prison.
Patrolman Hoyle was survived by his wife.
Survivors
Patrolman Hoyle was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-0D576A88- 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.
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Tributes
136 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Patrolman Hoyle served with the Knoxville Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Knoxville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman George Hoyle 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 Knoxville Police Department, 12 of 17 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 70.6% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. George Hoyle's cause is highlighted.
How George Hoyle Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 13 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. George Hoyle is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. George Hoyle was killed by handgun; .44 caliber.
Others Who Wore This Badge
16 officers from Knoxville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
