CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed Public Law 87-726 designating May 15 as Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, and the week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week.  The law was amended by the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, Public Law 103-322, signed by President Bill Clinton, directing that the flag of the United States be displayed at half-staff on all government buildings on May 15 each year.  While the actual dates change from year to year, National Police Week is always the calendar week, beginning on Sunday, which includes May 15.

Each year, local law enforcement agencies remember their fallen during National Police Week with a ceremony at the Clarksville Police Department.  Because of the current health crisis involving COVID-19, the Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony will not be held. this year.

Please take time to remember all of the officers who passed away over the years who dedicated their lives to serving our community.

National Police Week is May 10 – 15, 2020. Each year, on average, our nation loses between 140-160 law enforcement officers in the line of duty.  In 2019, 128 officers died in the line of duty.  That is an 18% decrease from 2018.

The Clarksville Police Department and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office have had the following law enforcement officers die in the line of duty:

 

Pictured above:

Deputy David “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.

 

“Cowboy” Kermit Leonard Nipple – Died Aug 9, 1945

He died while investigating a fire at Clarksville Laundry on Third 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 of 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 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 with the department about four months at the time of his death.