Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrol Driver John Ryan was shot and killed while he attempted to apprehend a wanted fugitive in an alley on S 4th Street between Calhoun Avenue and St. Paul Avenue.
Patrol Driver Ryan and two officers were on duty at a police substation when they were informed of the location of a wanted fugitive. The three officers responded to the location. When they arrived, they split up and attempted to draw the suspect out. When they did, a chase ensued and the suspect opened fire, killing Patrol Driver Ryan.
The suspect was wounded in the gun battle but escaped. He was arrested two days later when he went to a hospital to get medical attention for his gunshot wound. Five other men were also arrested and charged with assisting the fugitive.
Patrol Driver Ryan and two officers were on duty at a police substation when they were informed of the location of a wanted fugitive. The three officers responded to the location. When they arrived, they split up and attempted to draw the suspect out. When they did, a chase ensued and the suspect opened fire, killing Patrol Driver Ryan.
The suspect was wounded in the gun battle but escaped. He was arrested two days later when he went to a hospital to get medical attention for his gunshot wound. Five other men were also arrested and charged with assisting the fugitive.
John, On today, the 110th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Memphis.
R.I.P. USBP
Anonymous United States Border Patrol March 19th, 2020
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-TN-F5935CDE- 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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrol Driver Ryan served with the Memphis Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Memphis community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrol Driver Ryan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrol Driver John H. Ryan 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 Memphis Police Department, 53 of 94 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 56.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John H. Ryan's cause is highlighted.
How John H. Ryan Compares
Offender Outcome
Apprehended
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John H. Ryan is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John H. Ryan was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
93 officers from Memphis Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
