Lester Woodrow Gwinn.
Officer Tarzan Gwinn was shot and killed while he and his partner investigated a domestic disturbance call involving a man and his ex-wife at 218 East Scott Avenue in Knoxville at 1:30 am. As the officers entered the home, the male subject pulled out a handgun and shot Officer Gwinn in the chest five times. Both officers returned fire killing the subject. Officer Gwinn was a World War II veteran who earned the Silver Star, the Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Heart, and marksmanship medals while serving as a sniper in the Pacific. He served with the Knoxville Police Department for six years. He is survived by his wife, son, three brothers, and a sister. Officer Gwinn is buried in New Gray Cemetery in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrol Officer Gwinn gave the Knoxville Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Knoxville community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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