Patrolman Jack Norwood Jernigan, Cheyenne Police Department, Wyoming

Patrolman Jack Norwood Jernigan

Cheyenne Police Department, Wyoming

End of Watch Thursday, March 4, 1954

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Jack Norwood Jernigan

Patrolman Jack Jernigan was shot and killed after he and two Air Force policemen answered a disturbance at a local restaurant at 10:30 p.m.

The subject was upset with a waitress when she refused to marry him. When officers arrived and were trying to calm the man down, the subject attempted to gain control of one of the officers' weapons. Patrolman Jernigan pushed the Air Force policeman out of harm's way and drew his weapon. He and the suspect exchanged shots and were both fatally wounded.

The subject who sold the gun to the suspect was charged with selling a pistol to a minor. A 16-year-old who was with the suspect at the restaurant was given probation for accessory to murder.

Patrolman Jernigan was a United States Marine Corps Reserve WWII veteran and had previously served with the Rawlins Police Department. He was survived by his wife and daughter.

Bio

Age 29
Tour 6 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Shot and killed

arrest attempt, disorderly, disturbance, domestic

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Most Recent Reflection

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Mr. Jernigan, you served your county in the United State Marine Corps as an MP in WW2. You then came home to serve once again. Your sacrifice will always be remembered by those who knew you, and those who read your story. I have come to own your WW2 uniform with your name stamped on the inside, and through much research, I have found you. Rest in peace.

E Eddy
Deputy Sheriff/ Amateur Historian

May 7, 2025