Deputy Sheriff John Edward Penney

John Edward Penney

Deputy Sheriff Ed Penney was shot and killed while attempting to serve a warrant on a man in Duncan Town for attempting to burn down his home and barn.

When Deputy Penney arrived at the scene, he told the man he was under arrest. The man initially cooperated but suddenly produced a .38 caliber pistol and shot Deputy Penney.

Despite being mortally wounded, Deputy Penney was able to take the suspect into custody with the help of a taxicab driver who had accompanied him. He succumbed to his wound as the taxicab driver drove them towards the county jail.

The suspect was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to five years.

Deputy Penney also served as the Chief of Police of Decherd and was running for Sheriff of Franklin County Sheriff's Department at the time of his death. He was survived by his wife and four children.