Incident
Sheriff John Harrington was shot and killed as he intervened in a civil dispute between a man and a woman over the building of a fence on a disputed property line. When the woman's grandson attempted to dig a post hole, the man suddenly produced a pistol and opened fire, killing Sheriff Harrington and the woman. The subject was apprehended.
The suspect was tried and acquitted of Sheriff Harrington's murder on October 21, 1902. He was to be tried for the woman's murder at a later date.
Please know that no passage of time will ever erase your memory, service and more importantly your sacrifice and you will always be remembered. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo Delaware State Police (Retired) June 30th, 2020
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- 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.
Sheriff Harrington served with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Monroeville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Harrington.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sheriff John S. Harrington 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 Monroe County Sheriff's Office, 1 of 2 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. John S. Harrington's cause is highlighted.
How John S. Harrington Compares
Offender Outcome
Acquitted
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John S. Harrington is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John S. Harrington was killed by handgun; pistol.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Monroe County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
