Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Joe Phillips was shot and killed when he surprised three subjects stealing gasoline at a strip mine in the Brimstone area.
He had been checking area mines for several nights following a rash of gasoline thefts. He surprised two men and a juvenile stealing gas at the Cline strip mine at 11:15 pm. He was shot in the chest with a .32 caliber handgun while exchanging shots with the subjects.
All three, ages 22, 22, and 16, were arrested and charged with Deputy Phillips' murder. The juvenile was charged as an adult due to an extensive criminal history. He and another suspect were convicted of murder and sentenced to 21 years. The third suspect, who fired the fatal shot, was convicted of murder and sentenced to 30 years. On February 8, 1965, Governor Frank Clement pardoned the two serving 21 years.
Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo Delaware State Police (Retired) August 21st, 2020
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-TN-04004AFA- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Phillips served with the Scott County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Huntsville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Phillips.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Joe Phillips is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,756 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 64.8 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Scott County Sheriff's Office, 8 of 8 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. Joe Phillips's cause is highlighted.
How Joe Phillips Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Joe Phillips is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Joe Phillips was killed by handgun; .32 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Scott County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
