Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman John Gear was shot and wounded when he and his partner attempted to stop three men acting suspiciously near the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and 4th Street.
The three men were carrying bundles and acting in a suspicious manner when Patrolman Gear ordered the men to halt all three stopped and turned around. Two of the men opened fire at him and his partner. Patrolman Gear was struck in the leg causing his leg bone to shatter between the knee and ankle.
His partner returned fire but was unable to apprehend the suspects. Patrolman Gear was taken to his home and a doctor was called. A few hours later Patrolman Gear's leg was amputated. Six days later Patrolman Gear died due to complication from his leg wound.
Patrolman Gear had served with the Memphis Police Department for 21 months.
Death is the last chapter in time, but the first chapter in eternity. Gone but not forgotten. Thank you for your service. Rest In Peace.
Enid Rodríguez March 13th, 2022
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-6757C106- 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
158 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Patrolman Gear gave the Memphis Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Memphis community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman John Gear 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 Memphis Police Department, 53 of 94 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 56.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John Gear's cause is highlighted.
How John Gear Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Gear is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Gear was killed by handgun; pistol.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
93 officers from Memphis Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
