Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Willie West was shot and killed as he and another deputy checked on a truck in a remote area of Walden's Ridge.
The deputies were returning from raiding several taxi stands where illegal liquor was being sold when they spotted the truck. As they walked around the truck the owner, and his son, approached. The two had been target practicing nearby and were preparing to leave. After exchanging words the father and deputies exchanged shots. Deputy West was struck with a 16-gauge shotgun blast and killed. The father was also killed.
Deputy West had been appointed as a fee-deputy only two weeks earlier. He had served as a fee-deputy under previous sheriff's as well.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, four stepdaughter, two stepsons, sister, and two brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-770153AF- 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 West served with the Anderson County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Clinton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff West.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Willie West 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 Anderson County Sheriff's Department, 8 of 9 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 88.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Willie West's cause is highlighted.
How Willie West Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Willie West is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Willie West was killed by shotgun; 16 gauge.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Anderson County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
