Nevada Department of Corrections, Nevada
End of Watch: Friday, January 20, 2012
Age: 55
Tour of Duty: 5 years, 6 months
Badge Number: 36787
Cause of Death: Heart attack
Date of Incident: December 23, 2011
Weapon Used: Person
Suspect Info: Charges pending
Correctional Officer Tracy Hardin died from what is believed to be an injury suffered while struggling with an inmate at the High Desert State Prison.
Officer Hardin was speaking to the inmate about disciplinary issues when the inmate assaulted him. During the ensuing struggle Officer Hardin injured his ankle.
On January 20th, 2012, Officer Hardin was leaving the prison following his shift when he suddenly pulled into a pulloff outside of the employee parking lot. Seeing this, other officers immediately went to check on him and discovered he wasn't breathing. They immediately initiated CPR but were unable to revive him.
The coroner subsequently ruled his death a homicide and charges are pending against the inmate who assaulted him.
Officer Hardin had served with the Nevada Department of Corrections for 5-1/2 years. He is survived by one child.