Holly MatkinFranklin, TN – Franklin Police Department (FPD) Officer Jeff Herndon died on March 26 after suffering a heart attack.
The 58-year-old officer was also an award-winning country music singer and songwriter, known musically as Jeff Carson, according to a press release from his publicist.
Officer Herndon passed away at Williamson Medical Center.
“It’s hard to believe he’s gone,” the FPD tweeted on Sunday. “One thing is for certain — Franklin Police Officer #JeffCarson changed everyone he met, all of us, for the better! Thank you, Jeff, for your life of service & song. May his message live on: God Save The World.”
Officer Herndon had 14 charted singles on the Billboard chart, to include “Not On Your Love,” which went to number one, WZTV reported.
He recorded demos for a slew of country-music greats, including Reba McEntire, Tracy Byrd, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Tracy Lawrence, and many others.
Officer Herndon retired from his music career in 2009 and joined the FPD, where he continued to serve until his death, according to the press release.
He simultaneously returned to music in 2019 and turned out another hit, “God Save The World,” which charted on the Music Row Top 40, his publicist said.
He was working on a specialty album scheduled to be released later this year when he passed away, CNN reported.
Officer Herndon leaves behind his wife, Kim, as well as his son, Dayton.
He is also survived by his mother, siblings, uncles, aunts, nieces, and nephews.
It’s hard to believe he’s gone. One thing is for certain — Franklin Police Officer #JeffCarson changed everyone he met, all of us, for the better! Thank you, Jeff, for your life of service & song. May his message live on: God Save The World.https://t.co/MU3937POBy
— Franklin Police Dept (@FranklinTNPD) March 27, 2022
So saddened to hear of the passing of my friend #Jeffcarson. He was a tremendous singer and one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. He also was a law enforcement officer who served his community bravely. He’ll be missed dearly. I’ll see you on the good side buddy pic.twitter.com/ktm1LsB4I0
— bryan_white (@bryan_white) March 27, 2022
Jeff Carson has left us. He died of a heart attack at Williamson Medical Center in Franklin, Tennessee at the age of 58. We love you and send love to your family. This one hurts. He was a good man. pic.twitter.com/ws4I94bxWg
— Lovin' Lyrics (@lovinlyrics) March 27, 2022
R.I.P. Jeff Carson (12/16th/1963 – 3/26/2022) was not only a Country Singer in the Mid 90s but in 2009 he retired from Music & became a Police Officer in Franklin, Tennessee!💙🖤
Prayers for The @FranklinTNPD & Jeff's Familyhttps://t.co/kyROr8k1jp@bigricanman @Seren040 pic.twitter.com/Nzjc9Fh2Mm
— Timmy Gibbs (@Timmy_Gibbs73) March 28, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Franklin Police Department Officer Jeff Herndon, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
