Prev
Alexander Gaines Russell
Incident
Chief of Police Alexander Russell was struck and killed by a vehicle that was being pursued by deputies from the Marion County Sheriff's Office.
He had stepped into the roadway in an attempt to flag down the vehicle when he was struck.
Chief Russell had served in law enforcement for 40 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and seven children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtq4sgs5skrve912wf6dr- 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 Alexander. 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
40 years. You could have gone home.
Chief of Police Russell gave the South Pittsburg Police Department 40 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the South Pittsburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Russell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Alexander is the only officer of South Pittsburg Police Department remembered here.
Alexander is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 remembered there.
Alexander is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Alexander 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 1936, 9 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1936, 136 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1936, 136 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 38th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Alexander was 71. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41. Alexander had served 40 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Alexander was 71. 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. Alexander had served 40 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Alexander was 71. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Alexander had served 40 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 8.2% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Saturdays: 17.1%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at South Pittsburg Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, 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 automobile, in 3.2% 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 automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 19-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from South Pittsburg Police Department are honored on badge.nw.