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Incident
Deputy Kirby was shot and killed as he and another deputy destroyed distilling equipment after raiding a still. The two deputies were ambushed and fired upon and Deputy Kirby was killed.
The suspects were arrested and sentenced to 10 years at hard labor.
Deputy Kirby had served with the agency for 10 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and child.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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 Kirby gave the White County Sheriff's Office 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Sparta community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Kirby.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
White County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Harkless is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 remembered there.
Harkless is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Harkless 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 1931, 12 officers in TN were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1931, 221 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1931, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Harkless was 58. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41. Harkless had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Harkless was 58. 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. Harkless had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Harkless was 58. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Harkless had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 10.2% of these deaths in TN, more than any other month. Thursdays: 12.7%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at White County Sheriff's Office.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
White County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, Harkless among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 33-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from White County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
