Incident
Policeman Walter McPeak was stabbed to death by a 17 year-old youth he was attempting to arrest for public drunkenness.
The suspect was executed for a subsequent murder on February 17, 1922. He had served nine years in prison for killing Officer McPeak and was then paroled. On July 17, 1921 he shot a man in that person's home and was convicted of the second murder on December 23, 1921 and pronounced a recidivist killer.
Policeman McPeak had previously served in the Spanish American War in the Phillipines and was survived by is wife and son.
Survivors
Policeman McPeak had previously served in the Spanish American War in the Phillipines and was survived by is wife and son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-0E520771- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Also honored at salute.nw. One record, 2 gates. Walter is one person.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Policeman McPeak served with the Johnson City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Johnson City community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Walter McPeak served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Policeman Walter McPeak 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 97,756 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 Johnson City Police Department, 3 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 75% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Walter McPeak's cause is highlighted.
How Walter McPeak Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Walter McPeak is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Walter McPeak was killed by edged weapon; knife.
Military Service
Walter McPeak served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit Walter McPeak’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Johnson City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.

