Roll of Honor
Incident
Sheriff John Poag was shot and killed by a mob of masked men who entered his jail for the purpose of liberating a murder suspect. The sheriff's order that the men leave was met with a refusal, whereupon Sheriff Poag fired, wounding one man. The mob returned fire killing the sheriff, and then left without the prisoner.
Eventually 13 men were charged with Sheriff Poag's murder. Newspapers of that day reported that most if not all escaped punishment.
On behalf of the family of Sheriff Poag, thank you to those who have left kind messages in remembrance. It is heartwarming to see that his memory lives on.
May God protect all those who serve.
Jamie Busby-Heidorn Great Granddaughter May 19th, 2025
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MS-97B99309- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Poag served with the Tate County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Senatobia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Poag.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sheriff John Macon Poag 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 97,772 officers honored here.
In MS, 243 of 350 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 69.4% of this state's fallen. That is 69.4 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Tate County Sheriff's Office, 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. John Macon Poag's cause is highlighted.
How John Macon Poag Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Macon Poag is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Macon Poag was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Tate County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.