Sergeant Ricky Dale Coyle, Greene County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee

Sergeant Ricky Dale Coyle

Greene County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee

End of Watch Monday, September 25, 1995

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Ricky Dale Coyle

Sergeant Ricky Coyle was shot and killed while investigating a hit-and-run in a remote area of the county on Stagecoach Road in Greeneville.

During the investigation, he radioed in that he needed an ambulance. An off-duty officer who responded to the scene found Sergeant Coyle slumped over his steering wheel and discovered that he had been shot three times.

One shot was stopped by his vest, one entered below his vest, and a third entered through the side, rupturing his spleen. Other arriving units found the body of the suspect approximately 30 yards away, suffering from five gunshot wounds. The investigation revealed that the two men were standing within a few feet of each other when they exchanged shots. The suspect was later found to be a fugitive from Alabama who was wanted for arson and other felonies.

Sergeant Coyle was a U.S. Air Force veteran who had served with the Greene County Sheriff's Department for 16 years and had previously served one year with the Northern Illinois University Police Department. He is survived by his mother and sister.

Bio

Age 41
Tour 17 years
Badge 531
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Shot and killed

fugitive, investigation, parolee

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Ricky Dale you sure were one of a kind. We were talking about you today and how not only were you a great deputy because of the easy way you connected with everyone but just what an awesome man you were. I remember you worked my brother and both sisters wrecks. My brother and oldest sister wrecked in the same place on Berkey rd and when daddy got there how you told him there must've been a spot of oil back there, there's a slick spot, to keep them out of trouble with him because they were going a little too fast for that curve in the rain lol. You were killed before I had my wreck but I know you would've said the same thing, now Richard she's not hurt it could've been worse cause of that slick spot back there. Boy how we sure do miss you around here. We still pray for Lisa and your extended family and know your momma is in Heaven with you now walking those streets of gold. And now you have uncle Joe to cut up with again there too, so you two give Jesus a break every now and then lol. Thank God you were here even if it was only for too short of a time. Though you truly made the most of it. Thank you Sir for your service and sacrifice to our community and country. Rest in peace in the arms of our Father. We love and miss you buddy!

The true measure of a person
is not found in the
might of their arm,
their wealth
or their power –
it is found in the strength
of their character.

There is no greater testimony to
ones character, than ones
willingness to sacrifice all,
in the noble quest of
providing protection to all
whom they serve.

Author Unknown