Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Hess and Police Officer David Friederichsen were shot and killed after responding to a domestic disturbance call on Conner Street. Two minutes after arriving on the scene the suspect opened fire, striking them both. Officer Hess was killed at the scene and Officer Friederichsen succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital three days later.
Survivors
Officer Hess had been with the agency for six years and was survived by his wife, son, parents, and two brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-6C7DB732- 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.
Police Officer Hess gave the Chattanooga Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chattanooga community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Hess.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Nelson I. Hess, V 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 Chattanooga Police Department, 19 of 27 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 70.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Nelson I. Hess, V's cause is highlighted.
How Nelson I. Hess, V Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Nelson I. Hess, V is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Nelson I. Hess, V was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
26 officers from Chattanooga Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
