Holly MatkinChattanooga, TN – Chattanooga Police Sergeant John Monroe died unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, according to his department.
“The Chattanooga Police Department lost an outstanding officer and cherished friend today,” the department said in a Facebook post. “Sergeant John Monroe passed away unexpectedly at his home while off-duty.”
Sgt. Monroe, 49, “has been a selfless public servant, an outstanding supervisor, and a trusted leader with the Chattanooga Police Department since 1998,” the post read. “Sgt. Monroe will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, and commitment to serving others.”
Prior to joining the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD), Sgt. Monroe served in the U.S. Marine Corps for eight years, according to his obituary.
He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Overseas Service Ribbon, and was honorably discharged at the rank of gunnery sergeant.
“Sergeant Monroe served as Marine Security Guard for President George H.W. Bush, President Bill Clinton, and President George W. Bush,” his obituary read. “He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and protected U.S. embassies in Paramaribo, Brasilia, Madrid, Beijing, and finally Singapore, where he met his devoted wife, Thai.”
Sgt. Monroe worked as a corrections officer for the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department before he joined the CPD on Nov. 6, 1998.
“He transitioned to his current role of Training Sergeant in Apr. 2015, where he shaped 13 classes of police cadets into fine officers for the City of Chattanooga,” his obituary read.
In 2017, Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke presented Sgt. Monroe with the Award of Excellence.
Sgt. Monroe was attending online courses in pursuit of a psychology degree at the time of his sudden death.
“A son, brother, husband, father, friend, leader, mentor, coach, instructor, and counselor, he loved all people and took pride in bestowing skills and knowledge to others,” his obituary read. “He will be remembered by his kindness, integrity, and commitment to serving others. Semper Fi.”
In addition to his wife, Sgt. Monroe also leaves behind his sons, mother, sisters, half-brothers, nieces, nephews, and many other friends and extended family members.
“Please keep Sgt. Monroe’s family and friends in your thoughts as they move through the difficult time ahead of them,” the Chattanooga Police Department said.
A fundraising campaign has been established to help St. Monroe’s family in the wake of their loss.
He will be laid to rest on Tuesday.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Chattanooga Police Sergeant John Monroe, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.