CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – (CLARKSVILLENOW) National Police Week is May 12-18. Observances will be held around the country including a local Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony Friday, May 17 at 10:30 a.m. at Clarksville Police Headquarters, 135 Commerce Street.
Each year our nation loses between 140-160 law enforcement officers in the line of duty. In 2018, 163 officers died in the line of duty. There were 28 K9 line of duty deaths in 2018.
The Clarksville Police Department and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office have had the following law enforcement officers die in the line of duty:
“Cowboy” Kermit Leonard Nipple – Died Aug 9, 1945
He died while investigating a fire at Clarksville Laundry on 3rd Street. One of the walls collapsed, killing him instantly. He was 35 years old at the time of his death and had been on the Police Department for 3 years. Officer Nipple was Clarksville’s first officer killed in the line of duty.
Kenneth Browning – Died Feb 13, 1974
Officer Browning was shot and killed on Madison Street in front of the Post Office while responding to a call of a man with a shotgun. He was 38 years old at the time of his death and had been on the Police Department for 4 years.
Police Service Dog – KING – Died May 22, 1978
King was killed while protecting his K9 Handler, Ralph Prost, during a search for burglary suspects in the New Providence area.
Aaron Douglas Glenn – Died November 19, 1983.
On November 5, 1983, Officer Glenn was responding, on a motorcycle, to a domestic disturbance call. Officer Glenn struck the side of a vehicle that pulled out in front of him at “Magic Wheels Skating Rink”. He later died from the injuries sustained from the crash.
David Scott – Died June 7, 2002
Officer David Scott died during a vehicle pursuit of a robbery suspect on the 101st Parkway.
Yamil Baez-Santiago – Died June 7, 2002
Officer Baez-Santiago died during a vehicle pursuit of a robbery suspect on the 101st Parkway. He had been on the department about four months at the time of his death.
Deputy “Bubba” Johnson – Died January 12, 2014
Deputy Johnson lost his life in a vehicle accident while on duty with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Bubba had previously served with the Montgomery County Emergency Medical Service and the Clarksville Police Department.