La Vergne, TN – Officers Ashley Boleyjack and Gregory Kern were honored at a special Purple Heart Ceremony in La Vergne on Wednesday, September 4, for their bravery and sacrifices during a shooting incident on October 21, 2023. While Officer Kern was unable to attend the ceremony due to ongoing recovery, Officer Boleyjack was present to receive the honor.
The Law Enforcement Purple Heart is awarded to officers who are seriously injured in the line of duty as a direct result of a suspect's actions and who require hospital treatment. This is the first time in the department's history that the American Police Hall of Fame has awarded Purple Hearts to La Vergne officers.
“Our officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect their community and as a result suffered physical harm while upholding their oath to protect and serve,” says La Vergne Police Chief Christopher Moews. “We celebrate their resilience and dedication to this department, this community, and to their own recovery, both mentally and physically.”
Officer Boleyjack returned to duty in January 2024, while Officer Kern continues to recover from his injuries and remains off duty.
The shooting incident occurred in front of a Dollar General store on Stones River Road in La Vergne during a traffic stop. The officers were allegedly shot by John Drake, Jr., the estranged son of Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake. Drake reportedly pulled a gun during the stop and opened fire, striking Officer Boleyjack in the left shoulder and Officer Kern in the groin and forearm. Both officers were immediately transported to the hospital for treatment.
Following the shooting, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issued a Blue Alert for Drake, who fled the scene. He was later located in Nashville, where he died by suicide before police could apprehend him.
