Sullivan County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee
End of Watch Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Add to My HeroesSteven Billie Hinkle
Sergeant Steve Hinkle succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained three days earlier at 3606 Highway 11W.
Deputies had responded to the residence to conduct a welfare check on an occupant. As they approached the home, the occupant opened fire on them, causing them to seek cover. As the deputies attempted to establish communication with the man, he opened fire a second time, striking Sergeant Hinkle during the exchange of gunfire.
The subject was found deceased inside the home several hours later.
Sergeant Hinkle was transported to the hospital, where he died as a result of his wounds on February 26th, 2019.
Sergeant Hinkle had served with the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office for over 30 years. He is survived by three children, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
In the summer of 2019, a portion of Highway 11W in Blountville was named the Sergeant Steve Hinkle Memorial Highway.
Bio
- Age 65
- Tour 30 years
- Badge 1741
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Saturday, February 23, 2019
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Deceased
Most Recent Reflection
View all 148 ReflectionsSgt. Hinkle, it's as if I knew you my entire life. There was not a person in the world that you couldn't make happy simply by being in their presence. It's been 2 years now without you here, the SCSO misses you, but knows 100% that you are in a much better place. I, my family, your family, and the entire state of Tennessee misses you dearly. Until we meet again, Brother, Godspeed.
Wyatt Peters
April 30, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths
![Segus R. Jolivette](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27106/c_2024_jolivette.jpg)
Senior Corporal Segus R. Jolivette
Lafayette Police Department, LA
EOW: July 25, 2024
![Mohamed Said](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27101/police-officer-mohamed-said.jpg)
Corporal Mohamed Said
Melvindale Police Department, MI
EOW: July 21, 2024
![Edgar Ordonez](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27100/c_edgar-ordonez.jpg)
Probationary Police Officer Edgar Ordonez
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: July 10, 2024
![Robert William Sumner](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27096/c_robert-sumner.png)
Corporal Robert William Sumner
Oklahoma Department of Corrections, OK
EOW: July 14, 2024
![Matthew Bowen](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27095/police-officer-matthew-bowen.jpg)
Police Officer Matthew Bowen
Vacaville Police Department, CA
EOW: July 11, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fernando Esqueda
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: July 11, 2024
![Kevin Linn Palmer](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27091/c_k._palmer.jpg)
Assistant Chief Kevin Linn Palmer
North Richland Hills Police Department, TX
EOW: May 1, 2024
![Jamieson Ritter](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27085/police-officer-jamieson-ritter.jpg)
Police Officer Jamieson Ritter
Cleveland Division of Police, OH
EOW: July 4, 2024
![William Butler, Jr.](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27084/c_butler-bill.jpg)
Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr.
Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office, MI
EOW: June 27, 2024