CLARKSVILLE, TN – National Police Week is held each year to honor the selfless service and sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement officers across this nation and will be observed from Sunday, May 12, through Saturday, May 18.

The Clarksville Police Department would like to recognize those officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.

Chief David Crockarell stated, “We pay tribute to those who were killed in the line of duty; these men are not forgotten! We wear a patch with the words ‘honor,’ ‘integrity’ and ‘courage,’ and we will continue to show our gratitude and appreciation for their commitment to this city and the citizens we continue to serve.”

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation that designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and each week in which that date falls as Police Week. Law Enforcement Officers from around the world converge in Washington DC to participate in planned events that honor the fallen officers.

According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, (https://www.odmp.org/statistics), there were 137 Line of Duty Deaths (LODD) in 2023. So far, year to date for 2024, there have been 56 Line of Duty Deaths.

The Clarksville Police Department would like to remember the following Law Enforcement Officers Killed or Assaulted (LEOKA) in the line of duty:

“Cowboy” Kermit Leonard Nipple – Died Aug 9, 1945: Officer Nipple 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 with 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 regarding a man with a shotgun. He was 38 years old at the time of his death and had been with the Police Department for 4 years.

Police Service Dog – KING – Died May 22, 1978: King was killed while protecting his K-9 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.  Officer Glenn was 32 years old and had been with the Clarksville Police Department for 10 years.

David Scott – Died June 7, 2002: Field Training Officer David Scott died during a vehicle pursuit of a robbery suspect on the 101st Parkway.  Officer Scott was 42 years old and had been with the Clarksville Police Department for 8 years.

Yamil Baez-Santiago – Died June 7, 2002: Officer Baez-Santiago died during a vehicle pursuit of a robbery suspect on the 101st Parkway. Officer Baez-Santiago was 23 years old and had been with the department for about six months at the time of his death.

Deputy David “Bubba” Johnson – Died January 12, 2014, Deputy Johnson lost his life in a vehicle crash 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.  Deputy Johnson was 52 years old and had a cumulative service record of 27 years at the time of his death.

Please take a moment to remember the law enforcement personnel who passed away over the years and dedicated their life serving others.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” – Matthew 5:9