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Knoxville, TN - The law enforcement community in East Tennessee is in mourning after a Blount County Sheriff's Office deputy was tragically shot and killed in the line of duty. The deputy, identified as Greg McCowan, made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the community he served.

The incident occurred on Thursday evening, leaving the entire region in shock and grief. McCowan's partner, identified as Deputy Shelby Eggers, was also wounded in the incident and is currently receiving medical treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

As news of the devastating loss spread, neighboring sheriff's offices and police departments began showing their support and solidarity. Many agencies started displaying black mourning bands over their badges on social media platforms, a symbolic gesture of respect for their fallen comrade.

The Knoxville Police Department and the University of Tennessee Police Department both announced that they would be wearing mourning bands in honor of Deputy McCowan. In a heartfelt Facebook post, the University of Tennessee Police Department expressed their thoughts and prayers for both deputies and their families, as well as for the entire Blount County Sheriff's Office.

Joining in the expressions of condolences, Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler called for unity within the law enforcement community. He urged the public to stand alongside the Blount County Sheriff's Office during this difficult time, emphasizing the importance of supporting those who put their lives on the line to protect the community.

The search for the suspect, identified as Kenneth DeHart, is currently underway. Authorities have urged the public to contact 911 or the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-TBI-FIND if they have any information regarding DeHart's whereabouts. It has been revealed that DeHart has ties to Hamblen County.

Numerous law enforcement agencies across the region, including the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, Madisonville Police Department, Roane County Sheriff's Office, and many others, have expressed their support for the Blount County Sheriff's Office during this tragic time.

Governor Bill Lee also extended his condolences, expressing his heartbreak over the loss of Deputy McCowan. He called on all Tennesseeans to keep McCowan's family in their thoughts and prayers during this unimaginably difficult period.

As East Tennessee continues to grapple with the loss of Deputy McCowan, the tight-knit law enforcement community remains united in honoring his sacrifice. The brave men and women who put their lives on the line each day to protect the community serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers everywhere.