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Incident
Sheriff John Cline was shot and killed after being confronted by a drunk man he had ordered to go home a short time earlier. The man had originally gone home but returned to a poolroom. As Sheriff Cline entered the same poolroom, the suspect opened fire with a shotgun, severely wounding Sheriff Cline in an arm. The suspect then took Sheriff Cline's service revolver and shot him several times, killing him. After a short time, the subject walked to a nearby business and threatened the owner, then went to another man's home and forced the man outside before returning to his own home. Three deputies responded to his home and shot the suspect to death when he threatened them as well.
Survivors
Sheriff Cline 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.
Sheriff Cline served with the Grundy County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Altamont community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Cline.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Grundy County Sheriff's Department has lost 4 officers; 4 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, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1929, 8 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
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 54. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41.
John was 54. 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 54. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Mondays: 12%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Grundy County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.4% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Grundy County Sheriff's Department has 4 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 5-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Grundy County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
