Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Steve Mullins was killed when he was struck by a vehicle on Hickory Tree Road near U.S. Highway 421 at 3:45 pm. The vehicle, being driven by three runaway juveniles, had been stolen in Florida and was being chased by members of another department. Deputy Mullins pulled his cruiser into the lane of traffic in which the van was traveling to protect the traffic ahead of him. The van crashed into the cruiser, knocking Deputy Mullins into the grill of a wrecker approximately 25 feet away. He was flown to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The 15-year-old driver of the van was charged as an adult and found guilty of felony murder and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. He was released after serving only five years. Deputy Mullins had served with the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office for 18 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, stepson, and three daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-EE8109D1- 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.
Deputy Sheriff Mullins gave the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the Blountville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Mullins.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Steve N. Mullins 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 Sullivan County Sheriff's Department, 6 of 12 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. Steve N. Mullins's cause is highlighted.
How Steve N. Mullins Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Steve N. Mullins is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Steve N. Mullins was killed by automobile.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
11 officers from Sullivan County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
