Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman John Mills was shot and killed in an ambush by one of two brothers who had escaped from the Bristol jail. The shooting occurred in a thicket of bushes off of Oak Street, between Catawba Street and Watauga Street. Patrolman Mills was shot once in the back of the head and once in the arm. The gunman was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. On October 20th, 1955, he escaped from the Tennessee State Penitentiary. On March 27th, 1958, he was recaptured by FBI agents in Baltimore, Maryland, just a few hours after he was added to the FBI's 10 Most Wanted list. Patrolman Mills had served with the Kingsport Police Department for two years and also was a member of the fire department.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-8BB43B2A- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Mills gave the Kingsport Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Kingsport community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Mills.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman John E. Mills 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 Kingsport Police Department, 4 of 5 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 80% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John E. Mills's cause is highlighted.
How John E. Mills Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John E. Mills is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John E. Mills was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Kingsport Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
