MNPD Drill and Ceremony Team

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Honoring their courage, service, and legacy today and always. 🇺🇸

Today we remember MNPD Officer Paul Scurry who was shot and killed in the line of duty while attempting to apprehend a wanted subject. Officer Scurry had responded to assist detectives in locating two suspects. One came to the door and was arrested without incident. The second was hiding in the attic space where Officer Scurry and another officer encountered him. The suspect opened fire on both officers, wounding them both. Officer Scurry did not survive. Officer Scurry was a military veteran and had served with the MNPD for 21 years. He was 48 years old. He is survived by his daughter. Madison Precinct is named in honor of Officer Scurry. EOW 5/17/1996 Metropolitan Nashville Police Department MNPD Madison Precinct MNPD East Precinct Andrew Jackson Lodge 5 FOP

https://www.odmp.org/officer/14759-police-officer-francis-paul-scurry

Today we remember K-9 Aron who was killed in the line of duty while assisting his handler apprehend a bank robber. Aron and his partner tracked the robber into the nearby woods where the suspect fired at them. Aron's partner was struck and wounded, and Aron courageously placed himself between his partner and the suspect. The subject continued shooting, striking Aron as well. While the officer survived, Aron did not. Aron had served for 1 year. EOW 5/14/1998 Metropolitan Nashville Police Department Metro Nashville Police Dept.- Canine Unit

https://www.odmp.org/k9/1456-k9-aron

Today we remember Lt. John W. Smith III who was killed in the line of duty in an automobile crash while responding to an officer’s call for assistance. Lt. Smith had served for 17 years and was 39 years old. He was survived by his wife and three sons. Lt. Smith has family members who still work for the MNPD today. EOW 5/14/1980 Metropolitan Nashville Police Department

https://www.odmp.org/officer/12379-lieutenant-john-wesley-smith-iii

Today we remember MNPD Officer Michael A. Petrina who was managing a crash scene on I-65 when he was struck and killed by a reckless driver. Officer Petrina lost his life in service to this city at 25 years old on Mother’s Day weekend, 2014.

Officer Petrina had served with the department for eight months and had been assigned to MNPD South Precinct at the time of his death. He was also a military veteran and a member of the Tennessee National Guard. Officer Petrina is survived by his brother and parents. EOW 5/10/2014. Metropolitan Nashville Police Department

Police Officer Michael Alexander Petrina, Metro Nashville Police Department, Tennessee Police Officer Michael Petrina was struck and killed by a vehicle on northbound I-65 at the Old Hickory Boulevard exit while at the scene of a previous collision.

Today we remember Nashville Patrolman Michael Mulvihill who was shot and killed in line of duty when responding to a robbery in progress. He had served with the agency for two months and was survived by six brothers and two sisters. EOW 5/9/1931 Metropolitan Nashville Police Department

https://www.odmp.org/officer/9733-patrolman-michael-j-mulvihill

On the night of May 7th, 2026, we gathered at the Tennessee State FOP Memorial Service to honor the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great state.

Surrounded by law enforcement agencies from across Tennessee, we stood united—shoulder to shoulder—in remembrance of those who gave their lives protecting our communities. The presence of so many departments was a powerful reminder that while we may serve in different jurisdictions, we are one family bound by duty, sacrifice, and honor.

We were especially proud that we were able to honor Commander Anthony McClain and Commander Scott Byrd for their service and sacrifice. Their leadership, courage, and dedication to the people of Nashville and the state of Tennessee will never be forgotten.

We pay tribute to each fallen officer whose name is etched into our state’s history. Their courage and commitment live on through those who continue to serve.

We are grateful for every agency, officer, and family member who came to stand in solidarity and ensure their sacrifice is always remembered.



Metropolitan Nashville Police Department

National Fraternal Order of Police

Middle & East TN Concerns of Police Survivors, C.O.P.S.

On May 7th, 2026, we paused to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our city. At our local FOP memorial, we stood together in remembrance, reflecting on the sacrifice, courage, and unwavering commitment of those who served our community with honor, pride and courage.

We especially remember Commander Anthony McClain and Commander Scott Byrd. Their leadership, dedication, and sacrifice will never be forgotten. They represent the very best of what it means to serve—placing others before self.

Though they are gone, their legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew them, served beside them, and continue the mission each day. We carry their memory forward with pride, gratitude, and a promise to never forget.



Metropolitan Nashville Police Department
Andrew Jackson Lodge 5

Today we remember Nashville Patrolman Paul W. Cavender who was struck and killed by a vehicle while on duty. He was 60 years old. EOW 5/7/1935 Metropolitan Nashville Police Department

https://www.odmp.org/officer/2935-patrolman-paul-w-cavender

Today we remember Nashville Patrolman John M. Arnold who succumbed to injuries after being shot in the line of duty while making an arrest. He was 55 years old. EOW 2/12/1885 Metropolitan Nashville Police Department

https://www.odmp.org/officer/1298-patrolman-john-m-arnold