Roll of Honor
Incident
Marshal Alvah Countiss was shot and killed while investigating a disturbance at the local railroad depot in the early morning hours. A citizen had notified him at his home that there was a group of young men acting rowdy at the depot. Shortly after Marshal Countiss arrived he was shot by one of the men. The suspect was arrested several days later. He was convicted of Marshal Countiss' murder but was given a second trial on appeal. During the second trial he was convicted only of carrying a pistol and fined $50 and sentenced to 60 days in jail. Marshal Countiss had served as the night marshal for only a few days.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-9C0194B5- 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.
Marshal Countiss served with the Monterey Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Monterey community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Marshal Countiss.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Marshal Alvah H. Countiss 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 Monterey Police Department, 1 of 2 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. Alvah H. Countiss's cause is highlighted.
How Alvah H. Countiss Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 60 days
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Alvah H. Countiss is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Alvah H. Countiss was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Monterey Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
