Jackson, Tenn.–Tennessee Department of Correction Special Agent Joe Frye of Paris received a U.S. Marshals Purple Heart during a ceremony Monday at the federal courthouse in Jackson. Frye was hit multiple times by gunfire in November of 2020 while serving an arrest warrant on a fugitive in a Jackson home.
Governor Bill Lee presented the honor to Frye and said, “It’s an honor to recognize a true Tennessee hero, Special Agent Joseph Frye, with the U.S. Marshals Service Purple Heart. A year ago, Special Agent Frye stepped into danger & risked his life to protect others in the Jackson community. Tennesseans are grateful for your courage & commitment. Tennessee is blessed to have outstanding men & women in law enforcement who protect our communities daily & we will continue to stand with them.”
U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller said, “While a Purple Heart Award symbolizes an injury or an ultimate sacrifice, today we honor the heroic efforts displayed on Nov. 2, 2020, by not only Special Agent Joe Frye, but the entire U.S. Marshals Service Task Force. This is not a story of tragedy, but of triumph. They overcame an extremely dangerous situation and accomplished the mission by arresting the suspect.”
Joe Frye is part of the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force.
Photo: Gov. Bill Lee, left, with Joe Frye. (Governor’s office photo).