BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — Fallen law enforcement officers were honored across the country Wednesday for Peace Officer Memorial Day as part of National Police Week.

Blount County held its own ceremony to honor fallen officers, hosted by the Maryville Police Department. The occasion hit close to home for the community there, as it came just three months after Sheriff’s Deputy Greg McCowan was killed in the line of duty.

During Wednesday’s ceremony, Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong retired McCowan’s badge.

“In the history of the sheriff’s office, there’s never been a badge retired, today I’m going to do that. Deputy Greg McCowan gave his life to service in Blount County, February 8, 2024. In honor of his heroism, Blount County Sheriff’s Office is retiring Badge 344,” the sheriff said during the ceremony.

After McCowan was killed in February, people came out to show support like never before.

“If you were part of that procession from Sevier Heights Baptist Church to Grandview Cemetery there were thousands of people, not just hundreds but thousands upon thousands there that were honoring his sacrifice,” Maryville Police Chief Tony Crisp said.

McCowan isn’t the only officer the Blount County community has mourned, several came before him, including Maryville Police Officer Kenny Moats. Moats was killed in 2016.

“I’m just thankful, I mean they paid the sacrifice and we need to always honor them,” Moats’ mother, Lisa Burns, said at the ceremony.

Moats was honored by his son, Kamron Moats, who recently joined the police department.

“Officer Moats responded to a domestic violence call on Alcoa Trail. While protecting the life of the victim, Officer Moats was shot and killed by the assailant,” Kamron Moats read during the ceremony.

“I’m proud of him, so proud of him,” Burns said of her grandson. “For the stand he’s taken, I just think it’s a calling.”

A total of 10 fallen officers were honored from three different departments.

Maryville Police Department:

Blount County Sheriff’s Office:

Alcoa Police Department:

  • Sgt. Timothy Joe Hunt: died April 20, 2000
  • Lt. Glen Ernest Giles: died July 2, 1987
  • Officer Fred Guffey: died Aug. 31, 1952
  • Officer William M. Hunt: died July 7, 1937

Chief Crisp said no matter how long it’s been, it’s important to keep fallen officers’ memories alive.

“While that has some time to it, they were serving this community and they helped make this community into what it is today. That we can enjoy and live in, they made it a safer place to live and to work and to raise your families. Their efforts, so for that we should never forget that sacrifice they made,” he said.

He also mentioned there are a few Maryville officers in Washington D.C. this week representing the department at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.