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Incident
Sheriff John Harrington was shot and killed as he intervened in a civil dispute between a man and a woman over the building of a fence on a disputed property line. When the woman's grandson attempted to dig a post hole, the man suddenly produced a pistol and opened fire, killing Sheriff Harrington and the woman. The subject was apprehended.
The suspect was tried and acquitted of Sheriff Harrington's murder on October 21, 1902. He was to be tried for the woman's murder at a later date.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Harrington served with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Monroeville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Harrington.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Monroe County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 405 officers killed feloniously in AL, 63% of the 643 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 1902, 9 officers in AL were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 131 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 10.
In 1902, 104 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 49th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1902, 104 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 59th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 52. Of the 344 killed feloniously in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 49; the middle age was 40.
John was 52. 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 was 52. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
June holds 9.4% of these deaths in AL; September holds the most, 9.9%. Mondays: 13.6%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Monroe County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63% of all 643 deaths in AL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 1.2% 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; pistol, in 0.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 0.5% of these deaths.
His people
Monroe County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 27-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Monroe County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
