Weakley Co. Mayor issues Executive Order for Flags to Half-Staff honoring Deputy Bonham
INCLUDES NEWS RELEASE FROM WEAKLEY COUNTY MAYOR DALE HUTCHERSON
WEAKLEY CO., Tenn.— Weakley County Mayor Dale Hutcherson issues an Executive Order for the lowering of Flags to Half-Staff for Deputy Derrick Bonham.
Find the full news release below.
January 31, 2026
MEMORANDUM AND EXECUTIVE ORDER OF THE WEAKLEY COUNTY MAYOR
As many across our county, state and nation are already aware, it is with extreme sadness and grieving hearts that the Weakley County Mayor’s Office informs you of the loss of Weakley County Sheriff’s Deputy, Derrick Bonham, as of this past Friday in the early morning hours of January 30, 2026. Today, and in the days ahead, our county mourns not only the passing of a dedicated law enforcement officer, but the loss of a son, family member, friend, neighbor, husband and father.
Our hearts and deepest condolences are extended to the family and friends of Deputy Bonham and the Weakley County community whom he served with great passion and care. No words can lessen the pain of such a loss, but my hope is they know they do not walk through this season alone. The prayers, love and support of the people of Weakley County surround them, and I believe our God above is surrounding them as we speak. We also lift up the men and women of the Weakley County Sheriff’s Office as well as the entire law enforcement community, who are deeply grieving the loss of a brother in service.
Deputy Bonham chose a life of service in every capacity-a life rooted in protecting and serving everyone in this community, standing strong in the face of uncertainty and danger, and answering the call when our community needed him. His courage, humility, quiet strength, kindness and commitment to duty reflect the very best of who we are as a county, state and nation. Derrick Bonham’s sacrifice will forever be remembered, and his legacy will without a doubt live on in the lives he touched, the community he so faithfully served, and the family and friendships he built along the way.
As Sheriff Terry McDade stated in a press conference, Deputy Bonham was “kind, quiet, humble… the kind of person you want to hire … we are devastated to say the least, but nothing compared to what his young family is feeling.” Deputy Bonham was a wonderful member of our community who, along with his wife, Nicole (a teacher in our Weakley County School system), and children, are proactive and productive members of our community with servant hearts in Weakley County as well as in their home community of Greenfield, Tennessee. Deputy Bonham also served our great state and nation in the military as a member of the United States Army. Most importantly, Deputy Bonham was a great man who selflessly sacrificed his time, efforts, and ultimately, his life, for the advancement of our home. Deputy Bonham believed in Weakley County and willingly served our communities up until the very moment of his passing.
While Deputy Bonham will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, we can rest assured that his work and sacrifice was not in vain. Derrick Bonham leaves behind him a legacy of high caliber character, a county, state and nation that is in better shape because of his efforts, many friends, three beautiful children and his wife, Nicole all of whom will carry his legacies forward in their day-to-day lives. Derrick Bonham was also a man of faith as a Christian, and I firmly believe he is in a better place at this very moment with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We salute Deputy Derrick Bonham’s dedication and sacrifice which have made him an inspiring role model for his fellow Weakley Countians, Tennesseans and Americans.
The entire Weakley County government pays tribute to Deputy Derrick Bonham. We are grateful for his service and sacrifice to the people of Weakley County, Tennessee, and our United States of America. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences are extended to his family, friends, colleagues, and the people whom he served.
Further, as a visible expression of our shared mourning and gratitude for Deputy Derrick Bonham’s life, legacy and service, I am hereby issuing the following Executive Order in accordance with a currently proposed bill (TN SB1712) that would allow a county mayor to order the flags flown on county property to be lowered to half-staff in order to honor the death of a prominent citizen. While this bill is not concrete law at this time, I would respectfully request the grace, mercy and ability from our state legislature, judiciary and Governor Bill Lee to issue said Executive Order for the sake of our entire community in Weakley County, Tennessee, as we grieve and mourn the tragic death of Deputy Derrick Bonham.
EXECUTIVE ORDER
Order of the Weakley County Mayor Lowering of Flags to Half-Staff for Deputy Derrick Bonham
WHEREAS, Weakley County Sheriff’s Deputy, Derrick Bonham, faithfully served the citizens of Weakley County, Tennessee, and the United States of America with honor, humility, courage, and sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, his tragic passing has left a profound void in the hearts of his family, friends, loved ones, his fellow deputies, and the entire Weakley County community; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate for our county to pause, reflect, and publicly honor a life given and sacrificed in service to others;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Dale Hutcherson, Mayor of Weakley County, Tennessee, do hereby ORDER:
1. That all flags of the United States of America, the State of Tennessee and Weakley County, Tennessee, displayed at Weakley County government buildings, facilities, and grounds be lowered to half-staff in honor and remembrance of Deputy Derrick Bonham.
2. That the flags remain at half-staff from Friday, January 30, 2026, through Friday, February 6, 2026, or until further notice, as a sign of mourning and respect.
3. That all county departments and offices observe this order immediately.
4. Because the pending legislation (TN SB1712) has not yet passed and been signed into law, this Executive Order is discretionary but highly recommended.
May the lowering of our flags serve as a quiet reminder of a life lived in service, of sacrifice made for others, and a community united in grief and gratitude.
Let us continue to lift Deputy Derrick Bonham’s family, friends, and fellow deputies in prayer, and may we honor his memory by caring for one another and standing together in the days ahead.
Issued this 31st day of January 2026.
With deepest respect and condolences,
Dale Hutcherson, Esq.
Mayor of Weakley County, Tennessee
See Also: Ohio woman arrested, charged in shooting death of Weakley Co. deputy.
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