Roll of Honor
Incident
Sergeant John Brinkley was shot and killed while chasing a suspect who had shot and wounded another officer earlier in the day. Officers were sent to the Overton Park Market to investigate a report that a man was selling stolen chickens. After questing the man the officers decided to take him back to the station house for further questioning. The suspect asked if he could put his chicken back into his wagon. The officers allowed him to do so, but while placing the chicken into the wagon, the man retrieved a pistol. The man opened fire, wounding two officers. The man was also wounded but managed to flee. While the store owner called the police to report the shooting, a group of civilians chased the suspect. The civilians were unable to apprehend the man, but the suspect's car was stopped by a group of officers at Waldran Street and Jackson Street. The suspect exited his vehicle and fled on foot. Sergeant Brinkley, along with several other officers, pursued the suspect while exchanging gunfire. During the gun battle, Sergeant Brinkley was shot and killed at the corner of Jackson Avenue and Breedlove Street. The suspect was also shot and subsequently arrested by other officers. He was convicted of murder and executed on September 3, 1920.
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sergeant Brinkley served with the Memphis Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Memphis community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Brinkley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sergeant John C. Brinkley 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 Memphis Police Department, 53 of 94 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 56.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John C. Brinkley's cause is highlighted.
How John C. Brinkley Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John C. Brinkley is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John C. Brinkley was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
93 officers from Memphis Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
