Bonneau Police Department, South Carolina
End of Watch: Sunday, February 3, 1957
Age: 30
Tour of Duty: 9 years
Badge Number: B-1
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: February 3, 1957
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Paroled in 1971
Chief John Dennis was shot and killed while transporting two prisoners to the county jail. The two men had been arrested during a traffic stop. As he drove to jail one of the men produced a handgun and shot Chief Dennis in the back several times. He was transported to a local hospital where he died a short time later. Both suspects were arrested a short time later.
The 40-year-old shooter was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison May 17, 1957. He was paroled in 1971. On August 8, 1978, he was one of four people who were shot and killed by a man in Cayce.
Chief Dennis had served with the agency for 9 years. He was survived by his wife, son, and three daughters.