Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman Herman Kirby was beaten to death with his own blackjack after responding to a disturbance call at a local restaurant.
When he arrived, he encountered the suspect, a youth on furlough from a nearby Civilian Conservation Corps camp. The officer attempted to take him into custody. The youth attacked him, gained control of his blackjack, and severely beat him. Policeman Kirby succumbed to his injuries several hours later.
The suspect turned himself in 3 days later and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Policeman Kirby had previously served as a guard at the Tennessee State Prison.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-9A97331B- 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Night Policeman Kirby gave the McMinnville Police Department 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the McMinnville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Night Policeman Kirby.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Night Policeman Herman H. Kirby 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 McMinnville Police Department, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Herman H. Kirby's cause is highlighted.
How Herman H. Kirby Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 10 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Herman H. Kirby is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Herman H. Kirby was killed by blunt object; blackjack.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from McMinnville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
