South Hill Police Department, Virginia
End of Watch: Sunday, May 10, 1953
Age: 27
Tour of Duty: 5 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: May 10, 1953
Weapon Used: Shotgun
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Patrolman Joseph Dennis was shot and killed after responding to a report that a man had shot and killed his wife at a farmhouse approximately one and a half miles west of town.
While he and other officers approached the residence the suspect opened fire with a shotgun, fatally wounding Patrolman Dennis. Other officers stormed the house and fatally wounded the suspect.
Patrolman Dennis had only been with the agency for five months. He was survived by his wife and 2-month-old son.