Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Joseph Sykes was shot and killed on Old County Road, in the City of South Norfolk, as he and two special officers attempted to question three suspicious men they observed on the road. When the three men realized they had been seen by the officers they split up and began walking in separate directions.
As one of the officers began chasing one of the suspects they exchanged shots. Deputy Sykes and the other officer took the remaining two suspects into custody at gunpoint. One of the two suddenly stepped behind the other, drew a gun, and opened fire. Deputy Sykes was struck once in the neck and once in the leg. Both suspects then fled the scene.
Deputy Sykes was taken to St. Vincent's Hospital, in Norfolk City, where he died the following evening.
All three suspects were apprehended within three weeks. The suspect who shot Deputy Sykes was sentenced to death and executed at the Virginia State Penitentiary on June 10, 1910.
Deputy Sheriff Sykes was survived by his wife and two children.
Survivors
Deputy Sheriff Sykes was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-VA-FFC4D768- 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.
Deputy Sheriff Sykes served with the Norfolk County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Chesapeake community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Sykes.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Joseph W. Sykes 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%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Joseph W. Sykes's cause is highlighted.
How Joseph W. Sykes Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 1910
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Joseph W. Sykes is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Joseph W. Sykes was killed by gun; unknown type.