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Incident
Deputy John Swann and Constable James Jett, of the Roane County Constable's Office, were shot and killed as they attempted to raid an illegal liquor still seven miles north of Rockwood, Tennessee.
Several suspects were hiding in an ambush position in a barn. The suspects shot and killed both officers and attempted to conceal their bodies. The suspects tried to move the still to another location and then fled the scene. After several hours, the Roane County sheriff and Harriman City police chief went to the scene and discovered the two bodies.
Two suspects were eventually apprehended and charged in connection with the officer's murders. One was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. He was eventually released and died in Owosso, Michigan, on April 7, 1971. The other was convicted of second degree murder but the Tennessee Supreme Court reversed his case in 1927. On February 25, 1951, he was shot and killed at a cafe in Harriman, Tennessee.
Deputy Swan was survived by his wife and four children.
Survivors
Deputy Swan 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.
Deputy Sheriff Swann served with the Roane County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Kingston community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Swann.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Roane County Sheriff's Office 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 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1924, 11 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1924, 225 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1924, 228 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 37. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41.
John was 37. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
John was 37. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
February holds 6.6% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Fridays: 14.9%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Roane County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, 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 gun; unknown type, in 12.4% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Roane County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 42-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Roane County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
