Blount County deputy killed, another injured and suspect Kenneth DeHart on the run.
A Blount County deputy was killed in an officer-involved shooting Thursday evening. The search for suspect Kenneth DeHart remains ongoing.
Blount County Sheriff’s Office Press Release
February 9, 2024
Sheriff James Lee Berrong would like to share some information about Deputy Greg McCowan and Deputy Shelby Eggers.
We reported to you earlier that Deputy Greg McCowan was murdered during an officer-involved shooting Thursday evening. We’d like to tell you about Deputy McCowan’s career at the Blount County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy McCowan, age 43, began his full-time career at the BCSO in 2020 in the midst of COVID.
Prior to coming on full-time with the BCSO, Deputy McCowan served as a reserve deputy. He worked in manufacturing, but he was always interested in law enforcement so he applied for and was hired as a patrol deputy and attended the BCSO Regional Law Enforcement Academy Class 021 in 2020.
Deputy McCowan excelled during the academy, and following his graduation in October 2020, he served as a patrol deputy on evening shift. He was awarded the Sheriff’s Office Lifesaving commendation in April 2021 for his part in saving the life of a man trapped in a burning vehicle. He was an EMR and was also recently accepted on the Sheriff’s Crisis Negotiations team and was excited to put his recent certification to use. Deputy McCowan was always smiling and friendly to everyone. He loved riding motorcycles and restoring old vehicles. Deputy McCowan leaves behind his children Cayley and Cayden, his granddaughter Ella, his mother and father, his fiancé Leah, and numerous family and friends.
Deputy Shelby Eggers was also shot and injured during the incident Thursday evening. Deputy Eggers received non-life-threatening injuries. She was released from the hospital and is recovering at home. Deputy Eggers, 22, began her career at the Sheriff’s Office in 2019 as a Corrections deputy. She applied for and was accepted into the Sheriff’s Office Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy and graduated from Class 025 in 2022. Deputy Eggers currently serves as a patrol deputy.
Deputy Eggers knew before she graduated from Heritage High School in 2019 that she wanted to work for the BCSO. She was excited when she was accepted into the academy, and like Deputy McCowan, she excelled as a recruit. Deputy Eggers has gained some notoriety over the past few years due to her beautiful voice. She was selected to sing the National Anthem for her academy class graduation and subsequent academy graduations.
In 2023, Deputy Eggers had the distinct honor of being chosen to perform the National Anthem at the Smith & Wesson grand opening in front of hundreds of people.
Deputy Eggers’ upbeat spirit and her hard work has won the affection of her co-workers.
Deputy McCowan was a hero both in life and in his death. Sheriff Berrong and our deputies are heartbroken at his senseless death.
Please continue to pray for Deputy McCowan’s family and friends, and for Deputy Eggers and her complete recovery.
Thanks to our Blount County community as well as our friends and supporters across the state and country. We hear you, and we are thankful for you.