Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer Redden Purdy and Officer Charles Henry were shot and killed by a suspect they had arrested earlier in the day for drunk and disorderly conduct. After posting bail the man swore vengeance on the officers who arrested him. Later that night he ambushed the officers and killed them both. The suspect was apprehended two months later, convicted of two counts of murder, and sentenced to 40 years.
Survivors
Officer Purdie was survived by his wife, two children, two grandchildren, his brothers, sister, nephews, and nieces.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-C1884608- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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.
Officer Purdy served with the Shelbyville Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Shelbyville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Purdy.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Officer Redden George Purdy 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 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 64.8 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Shelbyville Police Department, 3 of 5 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Redden George Purdy's cause is highlighted.
How Redden George Purdy Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Redden George Purdy is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Redden George Purdy was killed by gun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Shelbyville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
