Prev
Incident
Sheriff Harold Griffin was shot and killed while attempting to serve a warrant to assist a woman in retrieving furniture from her husband's home. The husband opened fire, killing Sheriff Griffin and seriously wounding his wife and bystander. The suspect was arrested while trying to take his wife to the hospital. The 55-year-old suspect was adjudged insane and committed at the Central State Hospital in Nashville. Sheriff Griffin had served with the Wilson County Sheriff's Department for 2 years. He was survived by his wife and three sons. His wife was appointed sheriff and finished his term in office.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpfedwv9qeh0v92sz4px- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Harold. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Griffin gave the Wilson County Sheriff's Office 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Lebanon community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Griffin.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Wilson County Sheriff's Office has lost 5 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Harold is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 remembered there.
Harold is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Harold 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 1954, 3 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 54th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1954, 76 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 92nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1954, 77 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 97th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Harold was 40. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41. Harold had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Harold was 40. 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. Harold had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Harold was 40. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Harold had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Tuesdays: 13.1%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 40% of all 5 deaths at Wilson County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, 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 handgun, in 24.1% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Wilson County Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, Harold among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 22-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Wilson County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
