Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman John Sykes was shot and killed while pursuing a vehicle in John F. Kennedy Park. At approximately 7:11 pm, Patrolman Sykes and his field training officer observed a vehicle driving erratically. Unknown to the officers, the two occupants had just committed an armed robbery in a U.S. Post Office parking lot. The officers attempted to stop the vehicle and a pursuit began. The officers lost sight of the car during the pursuit but noticed the car had pulled into John F. Kennedy Park. As they quickly turned around and entered the park the vehicle sped out from its hiding place. As the vehicle passed the patrol car one of the occupants opened fire. Patrolman Sykes was struck in the neck, less than an inch from the top of his bulletproof vest. He was rushed to Methodist Hospital where he died about two hours later. Both suspects were apprehended two days later. They were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. On September 5th, 1984, after being in prison for seven months, both were attacked by several inmates with knives and left in critical condition. Both recovered and the youngest was paroled at some point after 2011. The other suspect died in prison after 2003. Patrolman Sykes had graduated from the Police Academy only 13 days prior to the incident.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-778A823E- 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.
Patrolman Sykes served with the Memphis Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Memphis community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Sykes.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman John Wesley Sykes, Jr. 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 Wesley Sykes, Jr.'s cause is highlighted.
How John Wesley Sykes, Jr. Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Wesley Sykes, Jr. is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Wesley Sykes, Jr. was killed by handgun; .357 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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