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Incident
Chief John Ferriss was shot and killed by a suspect he had arrested several months earlier. Chief Ferriss was eating dinner at a local motel restaurant, in uniform, when the suspect approached him, grabbed his service weapon, and shot him five times. The suspect fled the scene and was apprehended by deputies a short time later. The wife of the 32-year-old suspect said during a 15 hour period before he shot Chief Ferriss, he drank two quarts of whiskey and 23 bottles of beer. The suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to 21 years. He was paroled on September 6, 1961. At the time of Chief Ferriss' murder, Goodlettsville was an unincorporated town. Chief Ferriss had been deputized by the sheriff of Davidson County to serve as the town's police chief.
Survivors
survivor. At the time of Daddy's death, I was four years old, yet have some very vivid memories of some of our times together. As I am now 67 years old, I guess I think of him more often in hopes that our meeting together will be closer in death. He was a brave, kind and loving person who gave his life for the place he served, Goodlettsville, TN. I love you Daddy and think of you often.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief of Police Ferriss gave the Goodlettsville Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Goodlettsville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Ferriss.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Goodlettsville Police Department 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 1952, 5 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1952, 71 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 100th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1952, 74 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 100th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 48. 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 2 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
John was 48. 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 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 48. 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 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 9.6% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Wednesdays: 14.9%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Goodlettsville Police Department. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, 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 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 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Goodlettsville Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 41-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Goodlettsville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
