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Incident
Marshal Alvah Countiss was shot and killed while investigating a disturbance at the local railroad depot in the early morning hours. A citizen had notified him at his home that there was a group of young men acting rowdy at the depot. Shortly after Marshal Countiss arrived he was shot by one of the men. The suspect was arrested several days later. He was convicted of Marshal Countiss' murder but was given a second trial on appeal. During the second trial he was convicted only of carrying a pistol and fined $50 and sentenced to 60 days in jail. Marshal Countiss had served as the night marshal for only a few days.
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.
Marshal Countiss served with the Monterey Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Monterey community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Marshal Countiss.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Monterey Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Alvah is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 remembered there.
Alvah is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Alvah 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 1916, 4 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1916, 155 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1916, 175 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Alvah was 37. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41. Alvah had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Alvah was 37. 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. Alvah had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Alvah was 37. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Alvah had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 8.2% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Sundays: 15.5%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Monterey Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 11% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Monterey Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Alvah among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 7-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Monterey Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
