BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. — East Tennesseans gathered in Blount County to honor fallen Deputy Greg McCowan. He was shot and killed on Feb. 8 when Deputy Shelby Eggers called him for help during a traffic stop.
The man accused of shooting McCowan is Kenneth Wayne DeHart Jr. He has since been charged with the death of McCowan and the attempted death of Eggers, after shooting her in the leg.
On Saturday, thousands came in support of Eggers and to keep McCowan's memory alive.
"Just wanna thank all law enforcement and first responders," Jolesa Vogelsong, an attendee, said. "We do love you and if this doesn't show it then, I don't know. You're loved, you're doing a great job and I know it's often a thankless job, but we couldn't be where we're at without them protecting us and we would just like to say thank you."
2024 BCSO Deputy Greg McCowan Memorial Ride
If you would like to help, the Blount County Sheriff's Office created a memorial fund people can donate to help McCowan's family. The public can donate to the fund at any Citizens Bank of Blount County branch.
There is also a fund by the Tennessee Benevolent Police Association, endorsed by BCSO. You can visit the fund here.