Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Charles Mink was shot and killed at Fork Ridge, Tennessee, while attempting to arrest a man who was drunk and firing a gun in town.
Deputy Mink and another deputy had gone to Fork Ridge to serve several warrants when they encountered the man. The subject was the suspect in the murder of his son-in-law that had occurred several months prior. As the deputies admonished him and told him to stop shooting his gun the man suddenly shot Deputy Mink, killing him. The other deputy returned fire and killed the man.
Deputy Mink was survived by his wife, several children, and nine siblings. One of his brothers served as the county sheriff at the time of his murder.
Survivors
Deputy Mink was survived by his wife, several children, and nine siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-7E65179E- 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 Mink served with the Claiborne County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Tazewell community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Mink.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Charles Elbert Mink 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 Claiborne County Sheriff's Office, 6 of 6 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. Charles Elbert Mink's cause is highlighted.
How Charles Elbert Mink Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Charles Elbert Mink is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Charles Elbert Mink was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Claiborne County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
