BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn — The Blount County community is in mourning after a deputy was shot and killed Thursday evening during a traffic stop. Another deputy was also shot but is now recovering at home, according to the Blount County Sheriff's Office.
On Friday morning, the sheriff's office posted on social media reflecting on both deputies and their careers in law enforcement.
Deputy Greg McCowan was shot during the traffic stop and later died from his injuries. He leaves behind his children Cayley and Cayden, his granddaughter Ella, his mother and father, his fiancé Leah, and numerous family and friends, according to BCSO.
McCowan, 43, started his full-time career with BCSO in 2020. Before joining full-time, he served as a reserve deputy, Blount County Sheriff James Berrong said.
McCowan worked in manufacturing but always had an interest in law enforcement. That's when he applied for and was hired as a patrol deputy and attended the BCSO Regional Law Enforcement Academy Class 021 in 2020, according to Berrong.
Berrong said McCowan excelled during the academy. After his graduation in October 2020, he served as a patrol deputy. 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.
McCowan was an EMR and recently joined the Sheriff’s Crisis Negotiations team and was excited to put his recent certification to use, Berrong said.
"Deputy McCowan was always smiling and friendly to everyone," Berrong said. "He loved riding motorcycles and restoring old vehicles."
Deputy Shelby Eggers, who was released from the hospital, began her career at the sheriff’s office in 2019 as a Corrections deputy, according to Berrong. She applied for and was accepted into the Sheriff’s Office Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy and graduated from Class 025 in 2022. She 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," Berrong said. "She was excited when she was accepted into the academy, and like Deputy McCowan, she excelled as a recruit."
Eggers gained a reputation 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, Eggers was chosen to perform the National Anthem at the Smith & Wesson grand opening.
"Deputy Eggers’ upbeat spirit and her hard work has won the affection of her co-workers," Berrong said.
BCSO asked the community to keep sending in thoughts and prayers, especially for Eggers and McCowan's loved ones.
"Deputy McCowan was a hero both in life and in his death," BCSO said. "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."
"Let’s honor Deputy McCowan & Deputy Eggers by standing Blount Strong and showing that our community will not tolerate or condone such acts of violence," Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell said. "Thank you to everyone who has reached out and offered support, food and who just desperately want to help. When we feel helpless, we can always pray. Please join me in prayer for Deputy McCowan’s family, for Deputy Eggers’ recovery, and for the entire BCSO family."
The Townsend Police Department offered its condolences. Police Chief Kevin Condee said their hearts were shattered by the incident.
"The Townsend Police Department works hand in hand with the Blount County Sheriff’s Office on a daily basis. Sheriff’s Office personnel are our brothers and sisters. Our hearts are shattered by the senseless killing of our Brother and wounding of our Sister. While we grieve with our family, our resolve remains steadfast. We will continue to serve our community and assist the Sheriff’s Office with any needs they may have. I pray for comfort and peace for these Deputies’ families, for our Law Enforcement community, and for our citizens as we navigate through this time of grief," he said.
And as the search continued into early Friday morning, an outpouring of community support spread from across the area. People stood out in the rain later in the afternoon to pay respects to McCowan as his body was escorted to a funeral home in Maryville.
"Trying to be respectful... trying to show my daughter here that it's people like this who put their lives on the line every day to protect us. The least we can do is stand in the rain for a few minutes and pay our respects," a Blount County father said as he stood with his daughter in the rain. "They are hurting right now. We're sad. We're angry. But we're going to pull together."