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Incident
Sergeant John DeLashmit suffered a fatal heart attack while jogging at the track as part of training for the department's Tactical Unit.
He had just finished a firearms portion of the training and had started jogging when he collapsed.
Sergeant DeLashmit had served with the Covington Police Department for 23 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
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
23 years. You could have gone home.
Sergeant DeLashmit gave the Covington Police Department 23 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Covington community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant DeLashmit.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Covington Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to cardiac events.
John is one of 37 officers lost to cardiac events in TN, 4.8% of the 769 remembered there.
John is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1991, 2 officers in TN were lost to cardiac events, the 3rd heaviest of 26 years on record. The heaviest was 1999, with 4.
In 1991, 10 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 61st heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1991, 10 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 61st heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
John was 48. Of the 36 lost to cardiac events in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 41.8 and 54.3; the middle age was 49. John had served 23 years; the middle length of service was 15.5 years.
John was 48. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. John had served 23 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
John was 48. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. John had served 23 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
November holds 10.8% of these deaths in TN; March holds the most, 13.5%. Mondays: 13.5%.
November holds 8.6% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Mondays: 12.9%.
November holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Mondays: 13%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Covington Police Department, the most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
His people
Covington Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 16-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Covington Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
