NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Fellow officers described Metro Nashville Police Officer John Anderson as a dedicated father and officer. City officials and the law enforcement community from around the region have expressed their sadness and support following his death.
Officer Anderson died in a fiery crash after a driver, who was on the run from police, crashed into his patrol car Thursday morning.
The 28-year-old was a four-year veteran of the Metro Nashville Police Department, joining them on November 1, 2014. He was also a member of the Drill and Ceremony Team (DCT) with Metro Police. DCT is a team of officers that was formed to honor the lives and memories of officers killed in the line of duty.
He was described as a loving father, who leaves behind an 18-month-old.
Because of his involvement with DCT, officers on the scene saluted Officer Anderson as he was carried from the scene.
"It goes without saying, that when we lose an officer, it's like losing a brother or sister. And this goes for this department, and departments all across Tennessee," said Metro Nashville Police Chief Steve Anderson.
His precinct commander, a lieutenant, and a fellow officer spoke at a press conference about Anderson and his commitment to the force.
"John had worked his entire career at the central precinct on the midnight shift. And he was a very dedicated officer, worked extremely hard, volunteered all the time, received numerous accolades for his work,"
"We have a lot of people from all over the world come to be in Nashville and John always treated everyone no matter where they were from with the utmost respect and professionalism," the commander added," said Commander Gordon Howey.
"He unfortunately died doing what he loved to do. I've spoken to both of his parents and they echoed the same sentiment that although his life was cut so very short, this is what he wanted to do and he loved every single minute of it. He wanted to be a member of this department," added the commander.
One of his fellow Drill and Ceremony Team members spoke about how he even used his personal time to learn the bagpipes.
"This is the type of thing that as an honor guard we prepare for, but obviously, it's a little more difficult for us today since he was a member of the team," said Lt. Matt Sears "He'll be missed. I'm honestly at a loss of what to say in a way it's still kind of shocking for us."
A fund was created for Anderson's son. Anyone wanting to donate to it can send contributions to:
MPD Community Credit Union
2711 Old Lebanon Road
Nashville, Tennessee 37214
A GoFundMe account has also been set up with the donations set to go to Anderson's son.
Click here to donate to the Officer Anderson Memorial Fund.
Total of 42 officers killed in Nashville Police's history
Several officials across the region took to social media to express their sadness over hearing the news.
“Maria and I mourn the tragic passing of Nashville police officer John Anderson. We extend heartfelt thanks for his willingness to serve and offer prayers for his family, friends and fellow officers.”
My heart is saddened by @MNPDNashville’s loss of Officer John Anderson, and my prayers are with Officer Anderson’s colleagues, family, and friends. Ofc. Anderson was responding to call for service, and he gave his life in service — serving selflessly to keep everyone safe.
NFD mourns with @MNPDNashville on the loss of Officer John Anderson. #RIP #NeverForget
Our hearts are broken this morning! All our thoughts and prayers are with our #BlueFamily at Nashville PD, over the untimely death of Officer John Anderson in a Crash.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Anderson’s family and the entire @MNPDNashville Police Department.
Our hearts are heavy in #Smashville today. Thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to Officer John Anderson’s friends, family & @MNPDNashville. Officer Anderson ensured that the Citizens of Smashville were safe at Preds Games and Concerts and he loved to play the game of hockey
Our deepest condolences are with the loved ones of Officer John Anderson and his MNPD family. Today we thank him for his service to our city and remember all who put their lives on the line to keep us safe. May he rest in peace.
