Atkinson County Sheriff's Office, Georgia
End of Watch Friday, December 25, 1931
Add to My HeroesBerry Palmer
Deputy Sheriff Berry Palmer died from injuries he received when a dynamite trap exploded while raiding a whiskey still in the Roundabout Swamp near Pearson. Four other officers were injured.
The still exploded when the lid of a mash barrel was raised causing an electric switch connected with the barrel lid to set off five sticks of dynamite. Deputy Palmer was taken to a hospital in Waycross where his leg had to be amputated. He died from his wounds four days later on Christmas Day. Two men were arrested and charged with his murder.
When placed on trial, the suspect's attorney argued that the state had only circumstantial evidence. Both were acquitted February 26, 1932.
Deputy Palmer was survived by his wife and five children.
Bio
- Age 43
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Explosion
- Incident Date Monday, December 21, 1931
Most Recent Reflection
View all 9 ReflectionsDeputy Sheriff Palmer,
On today, the 90th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Atkinson County.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
December 25, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Andrew Peery
El Paso County Sheriff's Office, CO
EOW: August 7, 2022

Special Police Officer Maurica Manyan
District of Columbia Public Library Office of Public Safety, DC
EOW: August 4, 2022

Sergeant Jèan-Harold Astree
Fairburn Police Department, GA
EOW: July 28, 2022

Sergeant Matthew Fishman
Wayne County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: August 2, 2022

Supervising Fire Marshal John Joseph "Jack" McCauley
New York City Fire Department - Bureau of Fire Investigation, NY
EOW: May 28, 2022

Police Officer Noah Shahnavaz
Elwood Police Department, IN
EOW: July 31, 2022

Deputy Sheriff II Jamie Reynolds
Spalding County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: July 31, 2022

Mounted Deputy Nichole Shuff
Clare County Sheriff's Department, MI
EOW: July 29, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Lorenzo Bustos
Smith County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: July 29, 2022