Dalton Police Department, Georgia
End of Watch: Tuesday, December 25, 1956
Age: 31
Tour of Duty: 8 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire (Inadvertent)
Date of Incident: December 22, 1956
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Not available
Officer Maurice Phillips succumbed to an accidental gunshot wound inflicted by a fellow officer inside of the police headquarters at the city hall.
He was training the new officer on quick draw techniques with unloaded firearms. After they had finished, the new officer left the room momentarily and Officer Phillips reloaded both weapons. When the other officer returned to the room he picked his gun up off the table and tried a quick draw again, not knowing Officer Phillips had reloaded the weapon. The gun discharged, striking Officer Phillips in the chest.
Officer Phillips had served with the Dalton Police Department for eight years. He was survived by his wife, three sons, parents, sister, and two brothers.