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Incident
Deputy John Pegram was killed on Route 65 (modern-day U.S. Highway 158) four miles east of Reidsville while he and another deputy were searching for bootleggers. After locating several suspects a chase ensued in which Deputy Pegram was riding on one of the running boards. When they got close to the fleeing vehicle one of the suspects pushed him off of the running board, causing him to suffer a skull fracture. Deputy Pegram was survived by his wife, three sons, and five daughters. His wife suffered a breakdown following his murder and she died one month later.
Survivors
Deputy Pegram was survived by his wife, three sons, and five daughters.
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 Pegram served with the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Wentworth community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Pegram.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Rockingham County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 385 officers killed feloniously in NC, 58% of the 664 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 1929, 12 officers in NC were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1929, 205 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1929, 206 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 55. Of the 370 killed feloniously in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39.
John was 55. 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 was 55. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
October holds 10.4% of these deaths in NC; May holds the most, 11.4%. Thursdays: 16.1%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Rockingham County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was person, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 58% of all 664 deaths in NC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 1.6% 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 person, in 2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 1.8% of these deaths.
His people
Rockingham County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 60-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Rockingham County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
