About Us

Founded in 1975, the Morris Heithcock Lodge 41 of the Fraternal Order of Police was established to honor the memory of Deputy John Morris Heithcock of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, who was tragically slain in the line of duty on June 28, 1972. Since our founding, we have remained dedicated to remembering and honoring the lives of all law enforcement officers in Williamson County who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Our commitment to honoring the fallen is exemplified each year during our annual memorial event in downtown Franklin, typically held in the first week of May. This solemn gathering is held in conjunction with National Police Week and National Peace Officer’s Memorial Day (May 15), observed in Washington, D.C. Beyond remembrance, Lodge 41 is proud to serve the community in a variety of ways. We award college scholarships to deserving high school seniors, support fellow officers and their families during times of crisis—whether it’s recovering from house fires, coping with the loss of a loved one, or navigating serious medical challenges—and host programs like Cops & Kids, which helps build positive relationships between local youth and law enforcement through a holiday shopping experience for children in need.

Our membership is comprised of active and retired law enforcement professionals from multiple local, state, and federal agencies. United by our oath to serve and protect, we are proud to support the communities who so faithfully support us.

We honor the legacy of those who came before us and strive to make a difference in the lives of those we serve today. It is our hope and prayer that no more names will ever need to be added to our memorial roll.