Deputy Sheriff Gerald Monroe Gibson

Gerald Monroe Gibson

Deputy Gerald "Bubba" Gibson was shot and killed during a 13 hour standoff with a burglary suspect.

A police canine had tracked the suspect from a business to the suspect's home. When other officers arrived, the suspect brandished a shotgun and threatened to shoot them. During the ensuing standoff, the officers prepared for a tactical entry. Deputy Gibson was approximately 40 feet away from the residence. He was preparing to fire a tear gas canister, when the suspect opened fire with a 30-30 rifle. The deputy was struck in the head.

The suspect was arrested approximately six hours later while attempting to escape. He was charged with murder and later pled guilty, receiving a life sentence.


Deputy Gibson had been with the Hawkins County Sheriff's Department for 15 years, and was a US military veteran. He is survived by his wife and two grown daughters.