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Incident
Deputy John Counts was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man on a warrant near Clintwood.
The suspect fled on foot and shot Deputy Counts as he pursued.
Deputy Counts had served with the Dickenson County Sheriff's Office for at least 3 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, 10 children, parents, and nine siblings.
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 Counts gave the Dickenson County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Clintwood community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Counts.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Dickenson County Sheriff's Office has lost 7 officers; 7 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 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, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1922, 1 officer at Dickenson County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1922, 6 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 10th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1922, 228 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1922, 306 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 45. Of the 7 killed feloniously at Dickenson County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 37 and 45; the middle age was 38. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 2.5 years.
John was 45. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 45. 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 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 45. 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 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 28.6% of these deaths at Dickenson County Sheriff's Office; July holds the most, 42.9%. Tuesdays: 28.6%.
March holds 9.4% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Tuesdays: 13%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 7 deaths at Dickenson County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 14.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 10.9% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Dickenson County Sheriff's Office has 7 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 33-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Dickenson County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
