Police Officer Christy Jo Dedman

Police Officer Christy Jo Dedman

Metro Nashville Police Department, Tennessee

End of Watch Monday, July 19, 2004

Add to My Heroes

Christy Jo Dedman

Officer Christy Dedman was struck and killed by the driver of a tractor-trailer while assisting a motorist on the side of Interstate 40 near Stewarts Ferry Pike.

Officer Dedman was aiding a motorist on I-40 near the Stewarts Ferry Pike ramp. Officer Dedman and the motorist were standing in front of the driver's side of the police car when it was struck from behind by the tractor-trailer, operated at speeds over 80 miles per hour and recklessly.

The cruiser was pushed into Officer Dedman and the motorist as they stood by a concrete retaining wall on the side of the highway. Officer Dedman's patrol car had its emergency lights on at the time.

Officer Dedman died at the scene. The motorist that was struck was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the tractor-trailer was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide and aggravated assault. Records showed that he had been arrested numerous times for reckless driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, and driving with a suspended license. The suspect was released after only nine months, including time already served. As part of his release, he was barred from driving for three years. Within two weeks of his released, he was arrested in Kentucky for reckless driving.

Officer Dedman had served with the Metro Nashville Police Department for less than one year. She graduated from the academy in August 2003 and was assigned to the Hermitage Precinct. Officer Dedman is survived by her parents.

A portion of Highway 100 was dedicated to the memory of Officer Dedman in August 2005.

Bio

  • Age 34
  • Tour 11 months
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Vehicular assault
  • Weapon Automobile; Commercial
  • Offender Released after 9 months

disabled motorist

Most Recent Reflection

View all 237 Reflections

Officer Dedman,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Chattanooga. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

July 19, 2024

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.