‘A hero both in life and death’ | Who was fallen Blount County Deputy Greg McCowan?

BLOUNT CO., Tenn. (WVLT) - The Blount County Sheriff’s Office is mourning after it announced Thursday that Deputy Greg McCowan was shot and killed in the line of duty Thursday night. Thursday and Friday, Sheriff James Lee Berrong shared some words about McCowan’s time at the sheriff’s office.

“I’m so sorry that we lost him,” Berrong said. “I talked to his family earlier. I apologize for not protecting him.”

Those words came shortly after the news broke about McCowan’s death. In a post on Facebook Friday, Berrong had plenty to say about the fallen deputy.

“Deputy McCowan was always smiling and friendly to everyone,” Berrong said. “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. He was an EMR and was also recently accepted on the Sheriff’s Crisis Negotiations team and was excited to put his recent certification to use.”

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Berrong said that McCowan’s career at the sheriff’s office began in 2020. Before working full-time with BCSO, McCowan was a reserve deputy. Before starting his full-time role, he attended the BCSO Regional Law Enforcement Academy.

“Deputy McCowan excelled during the academy, and following his graduation in October 2020, he served as a patrol deputy on evening shift,” Berrong said. “Deputy McCowan was a hero both in life and in his death.”

Deputy McCowan leaves behind his children Cayley and Cayden, his granddaughter Ella, his mother and father, his fianceé Leah, and numerous family and friends.

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