New Hope Police Department, Alabama
End of Watch: Thursday, November 7, 1957
Age: 54
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: November 7, 1957
Weapon Used: Shotgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 15 years
Police Chief Emmett Bright was shot and killed as he and another officer were attempting to arrest a man on drunk and disorderly charges.
As the officers were trying to wrestle the man into a patrol car, two men approached with a shotgun, demanding that the officers turn their friend loose, and then shot Chief Bright three times. Both men were apprehended a few hours later.
Both suspects were convicted of second degree murder on February 28, 1958. The suspect who shot Chief Bright was sentenced to 15 years in prison. His accomplice was sentenced to 13 years.