Person County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina
End of Watch: Friday, February 6, 1970
Age: 48
Tour of Duty: 22 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: February 6, 1970
Weapon Used: Shotgun; 12 gauge
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Sheriff Palmer was shot and killed while responding to backup other deputies attempting to serve mental commitment papers. When the deputies arrived they were met by the suspect who was carrying an axe. They did not attempt an arrest at that time and instead called Sheriff Palmer, who came to the scene. When Sheriff Palmer arrived the man came out of the home with a 12 gauge shotgun. As Sheriff Palmer attempted to calm the man the suspect suddenly raised the gun and shot him in the head, killing him. He then struck another deputy with the butt of the gun before the other officers returned fire, killing the suspect.
Sheriff Palmer was a WWII U.S. Navy veteran of the Pacific Theatre. He had been in law enforcement for 22 years and had been Sheriff for four years. He was survived by his wife and five children.