Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman Benton Crisp was stabbed to death outside the Bolivar Police Department around 3:00 p.m.
Earlier in the day, a father and son were drunk and causing a disturbance in town, and Policeman Crisp told the men to go home. However, when they disregarded his advice and went to the Unhaw's Saloon, threatening another patron, Policeman Crisp arrested the son. The father confronted Policeman Crisp, and a fight ensued. When the father fled the fight, he went to the mayor and promised to avoid jail and Policeman Crisp if his son was released. The mayor released his son, who then attacked Policeman Crisp, stabbing him five times before fleeing.
The suspect was never arrested.
Policeman Crisp was a United States Civil War veteran and had served with the Bolivar Police Department for eight months. He had previously served as a constable with the Hardeman Sheriff's Department.
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." Matthew 5:9
Chris Di Gerolamo Federal Air Marshal Service (Retired) September 9th, 2025
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-6D989B4F- Stewardship
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- 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 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 Crisp gave the Bolivar Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Bolivar community, and 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
Benton Crisp served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Policeman Benton Crisp 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 Bolivar Police Department, 2 of 2 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. Benton Crisp's cause is highlighted.
How Benton Crisp Compares
Offender Outcome
Never apprehended
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Benton Crisp is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Benton Crisp was killed by edged weapon; knife.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Bolivar Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
