Waverly, Tenn.–The Waverly Police Department has announced the death of one of its officers today. Officer Greg Triplett and his family lost their home in the devastating floods in August and while continuing to patrol and help the city rebuild, he contracted COVID. He lost his battle with COVID this morning.
According to a press release from the Waverly Police Department, Triplett was born and raised in the Waverly area and was loved by the community he served. On August 21, 2021, he and his family lost their home and possessions during the worst flood in Tennessee history, which claimed 20 lives. While rebuilding himself, he helped patrol Waverly and helped his city rebuild. Sometime post flood, Officer Triplett contracted COVID and succumbed to the virus.
“Greg was a great friend and police officer. He treated everyone with kindness and compassion and had a way of leaving everyone with a smile. He was one of the best”, said Chief Grant Gillespie.
Officer Triplett, 50, began his law enforcement career in 1995 as a corrections officer and dispatcher. He was hired as a patrol officer in 1998. During his career he served in corrections, dispatch, patrol, and as a school resource officer. He returned to patrol in 2017.
Officer Triplett had previously worked for the Humphreys County Sheriff’s Dept and the McEwen Police Department during his career. He leaves behind his wife, Lora, and five children.