Incident
Deputy Sheriff John McCrary succumbed to gunshot wounds he received while serving commitment papers on February 3, 2016.
When Deputy McCrary and two other deputies arrived at the home in Florence, the subject barricaded himself in a bedroom. When the deputies entered the room, the subject fired at the deputies, striking Deputy McCrary twice. He was able to return fire, wounding the subject.
The suspect was convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to 99 years in prison. He will be eligible for parole in 2033.
Deputy McCrary was transported to Huntsville Hospital, where his spleen was removed. He suffered medical difficulties throughout the next eight years and passed away from complications of his gunshot wounds on February 28, 2024.
Deputy McCrary served in law enforcement for over 15 years. After serving with the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office, he served with the Rogersville Police Department and was promoted to the rank of Investigator.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, two sons, three sisters, and two grandchildren.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-AL-571C9788- 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 McCrary gave the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Florence community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff McCrary.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff John Randall McCrary 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 AL, 405 of 643 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63% of this state's fallen. That is 8.8 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office, 3 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John Randall McCrary's cause is highlighted.
How John Randall McCrary Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 99 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Randall McCrary is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Randall McCrary was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.

