Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy John Counts was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man on a warrant near Clintwood.
The suspect fled on foot and shot Deputy Counts as he pursued.
Deputy Counts had served with the Dickenson County Sheriff's Office for at least 3 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, 10 children, parents, and nine siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-VA-75AC055A- 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 Counts gave the Dickenson County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Clintwood community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Counts.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff John Bunyon Counts 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 VA, 395 of 654 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Dickenson County Sheriff's Office, 7 of 7 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. John Bunyon Counts's cause is highlighted.
How John Bunyon Counts Compares
Offender Outcome
Apprehended
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Bunyon Counts is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Bunyon Counts was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Dickenson County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
