Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff John Lamb was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man during a disturbance during elections in Sneedville.
A person who lived in a different district was attempting to vote. When another man attempted to stop him from voting he drew a gun. As Deputy Lamb attempted to arrest him the man opened fire, fatally wounding Deputy Lamb. The subject was also shot and killed in a gun battle involving several other citizens that resulted.
Deputy Lamb was survived by his wife, four sons, father, and two brothers.
Survivors
Deputy Lamb was survived by his wife, four sons, father, and two brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-65680625- 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 Lamb served with the Hancock County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Sneedville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Lamb.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff John Lamb 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 Hancock County Sheriff's Office, 4 of 4 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 Lamb's cause is highlighted.
How John Lamb Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Lamb is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Lamb was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Hancock County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
