Hardin Co. Sheriff's Office deals with loss of deputy

MADISON COUNTY, TN (WNBJ) - Madison County Sheriff’s Department has flags at half staff today in honor of fallen Hardin County Deputy Matthew Locke. Both departments reflecting on the loss.

The Hardin County Sheriff's Department losing a Deputy Locke Saturday night during a domestic disturbance call in Clifton.

“All we want to do is focus on the family and everybody support them,” said Sheriff Johnny Alexander with the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office.

TBI says law enforcement made contact with Todd Alan Stricklin, who was armed with a handgun and refused to drop the weapon.

The agency says Deputy Locke approached the home to assist and Stricklin shot him.

Deputy Locke was transported to a local hospital but later died due to his injuries.

The Hardin County Sheriff's Department dealing with the loss of their brother.

“We really appreciate all the support that we are getting as a department. We are just one big family here. We appreciate everybody's calls and messages,” said Sheriff Alexander.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office explains why more officers are killed during domestic disturbance calls.

“Because you never know the situation. It’s just the unknown when you go into the house, or you go to the location where it occurs,” said Sheriff John Mehr with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Department is no stranger to loss, losing Deputy Terry Dyer back in April.

Sheriff Mehr explains how losing a deputy affects a department.

“Just losing that officer, it’s a family member and it’s a grieving period. It’s a shock factor that radiates through the department,” said Sheriff Mehr.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Department and 39 News sends condolences to Deputy Locke's family and to the department in Hardin County.