Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff John York was shot and killed by a man who was upset about a previous arrest.
The man shot Deputy York in the back while he filled out a warrant. The subject was apprehended and served a prison sentence. He was later shot and killed by Sheriff Buford Pusser during a shootout in 1968.
Deputy York was survived by his wife and four sons.
Survivors
Deputy York was survived by his wife and four sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-7653BACD- 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.
Deputy Sheriff York served with the McNairy County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Selmer community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff York.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff John York 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 McNairy County Sheriff's Office, 3 of 6 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John York's cause is highlighted.
How John York Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John York is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John York was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from McNairy County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
