Prev
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Allen Lipford was shot and killed by a felon as he escaped from the county jail after overpowering two other deputies and taking one's service revolver. The inmate had initially overpowered a jail officer at about 3:15 am and was fleeing the facility when he encountered another deputy in the parking lot. A struggle ensued, and the subject was able to disarm the deputy. Deputy Lipford was exiting his patrol car to assist the other deputy when the man opened fire and shot him in the head, killing him. He then stole Deputy Lipford's patrol car and fled. Deputy Lipford was transported to a hospital in nearby Boone, North Carolina, where he later died. The 24-year-old suspect was found the next day hiding under a pile of leaves in Shady Valley. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. In 1993, he had 25 years added to his sentence for a conviction of crimes ranging from theft to armed robbery. He has a parole hearing in November 2022. Deputy Lipford had served with the Johnson County Sheriff's Office for eight years. He is survived by his wife and 2-year-old daughter. On July 6th, 2021, the Deputy Sheriff Allen R. Lipford Memorial Bridge was named in his honor.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and 2-year-old daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqec2jcvrp5azd0ds7jt- 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 Allen. 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Lipford gave the Johnson County Sheriff's Office 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the Mountain City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Lipford.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Johnson County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Allen is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 remembered there.
Allen is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Allen 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 1991, 3 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 54th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1991, 85 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 76th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1991, 98 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 65th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Allen was 28. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41. Allen had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Allen was 28. 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. Allen had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Allen was 28. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Allen had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 10.2% of these deaths in TN, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 14.9%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Johnson County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 66.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.4% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Johnson County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, Allen among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 30-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Johnson County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
