Deputy Sheriff Matthew Locke, Hardin County Sheriff's Department, Tennessee

Deputy Sheriff Matthew Locke

Hardin County Sheriff's Department, Tennessee

End of Watch Saturday, September 25, 2021

Add to My Heroes

Matthew Locke

Deputy Sheriff Matthew Locke was shot and killed while assisting other officers during a domestic disturbance at a home in the 3000 block of Nance Bend Road in Clifton.

An officer from Clifton Police Department and other deputies contacted the subject who was armed with a gun. As officers were ordering the man to drop the gun as Deputy Locke approached the home. The man suddenly opened fire, fatally wounding Deputy Locke.

Deputy Locke was transported to a nearby hospital where he died shortly after arrival.

The subject fled into a nearby wooded area and was arrested a few hours later by members of the Tennessee Highway Patrol. He was charged with first-degree murder.

Deputy Locke was a Tennessee Army National Guard veteran and had served with the Hardin County Sheriff's Department seven years. He is survived by his wife and child.

Bio

Age 30
Tour 7 years
Badge 565
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Charged with first-degree murder

domestic

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 85 Reflections

I met Deputy Locke’s father today by chance at a local gas station in Franklin County, AL. He approached me as I am a deputy Sheriff there and began to thank me for what I do. He went on to tell me about his son and what had happened. He emphasized how there is no one who ever has our back like our families do. I could see that his heart still hurt by the tears gathering in the corners of his eyes. He told me, “ you make sure you go home to your family. That’s the most important job you have. And you tell your kids everyday you love them.” I stood there speechless as I listened to him tell me how that the loss of a loved one affects everyone inside and out. He gave me a bracelet that said honor the fallen Deputy Matthew Locke #565. I didn’t know what to say. All I could do was give him a hug as the tears also began to well up in my eyes. That was at near 8am today and now it is 9:30pm and I have thought about all he said to me all day. I did not personally ever meet Deputy Locke but I met his dad and there was no doubt he loved his Son and was proud of him. I will be In prayer for Deputy Locke’s family. All of them.

Lieutenant Clint Holcombe
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

May 15, 2025