Remembering Deputy Matthew Locke
Jackson, TN. (WNBJ)-
Today it is with a heavy heart Hardin County Police Officers are remembering Deputy Matthew Locke who was killed in the line of duty.
Locke was a father, veteran, and seven-year deputy for Hardin County Sheriff’s Department. At only 30-years-old, he was shot and killed while assisting other officers during a domestic disturbance. Fellow officer’s share the impact his presence in the office will forever hold in their department.
Dusty Parrish (Criminal Investigator) told 39 News, “He was a guy that everybody wanted to be on the shift with him. He was somebody that everybody wanted to work with, and he was just a great guy.”
His energy brought people together is what Investigator Jeremy Hulen told 39 news, he brought sense of…
“Camaraderie, the connections with his fellow officers. They’re the ones that are going to be hit most.”
Last night the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office was proud to see the outpouring of community support during a precession traveling from Memphis to Savannah, Tennessee to bring Locke’s body back home. Jeremy Hulen (Investigator) stated, “it was something that didn’t start out that big, we thought. It turned out to be something a lot bigger than I guess what I imagined it would be. From the community there was an outpouring, even though late at night, there was a lot of people from the community standing on the sides of the road, for him and for his family.”
Not much information has been released about the sentencing of suspect Todd Alan Stricklin. For the family and community, Criminal Investigator Dusty Parrish is hoping to see Stricklin held accountable for his actions. informing us, “I’m just hoping to see justice served. The TBI is leading the investigation and our da has been kinda outspoken about the case. So, I’m hoping that justice is served.”
Hulen extended words of encouragement to Deputy Locke’s family. Jeremy Hulen (Investigator) stated, “I can’t imagine what they’re feeling right now. The loss that we’ve had, doesn’t even compare to what they’ve lost. I’d just like to reach out to them and say, we loved Locke and that if there’s anything we can do to help them we’re here anytime for them.”
Makayla Davis
mdavis@nbc39tv.com
