Roll of Honor
Incident
Sergeant Steve Hinkle succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained three days earlier at 3606 Highway 11W.
Deputies had responded to the residence to conduct a welfare check on an occupant. As they approached the home, the occupant opened fire on them, causing them to seek cover. As the deputies attempted to establish communication with the man, he opened fire a second time, striking Sergeant Hinkle during the exchange of gunfire.
The subject was found deceased inside the home several hours later.
Sergeant Hinkle was transported to the hospital, where he died as a result of his wounds on February 26th, 2019.
Sergeant Hinkle had served with the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office for over 30 years.
Survivors
He is survived by three children, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-4E3E4DF1- 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
30 years. You could have gone home.
Sergeant Hinkle gave the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office 30 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Blountville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Hinkle.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sergeant Steven Billie Hinkle 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 Sullivan County Sheriff's Dept., 6 of 12 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. Steven Billie Hinkle's cause is highlighted.
How Steven Billie Hinkle Compares
Offender Outcome
Deceased
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Steven Billie Hinkle is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Steven Billie Hinkle was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
11 officers from Sullivan County Sheriff's Dept. are honored on badge.nw.
