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Incident
Deputy Sheriff John Heithcock was shot and killed while assisting the Fairview police chief following a vehicle pursuit. The chief had attempted to stop the vehicle for speeding. The driver initially stopped but pointed a gun at the chief and ordered him back into his car before fleeing. The pursuit lasted approximately five miles until the man pulled into his own driveway in the Bon Aqua community on Route 100 at the county line with Hickman County. The man began shooting at the Fairview officers. As Deputy Heitcock arrived at the scene the suspect opened fire from a ditch and shot him in the chest with a shotgun. The subject was convicted of Deputy Heithcock's murder but was released from prison after 11 years. Deputy Heithcock had served with the Williamson County Sheriff's Office for only two months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Heithcock served with the Williamson County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Franklin community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Heithcock.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Williamson County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1972, 3 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 54th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1972, 142 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 28th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1972, 160 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 32. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41. John had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
John was 32. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 32. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 8.4% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Wednesdays: 14.9%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Williamson County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 12.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Williamson County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 33-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Williamson County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
