Sullivan County, Tennessee – The sheriff’s office is honoring Sgt. Steve Hinkle’s 2019 line-of-duty death.
According to the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, Hinkle died on February 26, 2019, from injuries sustained three days earlier while responding to a welfare check at a residence in Blountville.
Authorities said that during the February 23, 2019 response, an individual inside the home allegedly opened fire on deputies. Sgt. Hinkle was struck by gunfire during the incident and later died from his injuries.
In a statement shared this week, the sheriff’s office said Hinkle’s courage, dedication, and commitment to the department and to Sullivan County residents “will never be forgotten.”
The agency paused to remember the fallen sergeant and his service to the community. Officials did not release additional details in the commemorative post about the original incident.
The annual remembrance highlights the risks law enforcement officers face while responding to routine calls, including welfare checks that can quickly escalate. The Blountville incident remains one of the most significant line-of-duty losses for the department in recent years.
For residents, especially those in close-knit communities like Blountville, the anniversary serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by first responders.
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