Tifton Police Department, Georgia
End of Watch: Saturday, July 18, 1942
Age: 55
Tour of Duty: 14 years
Badge Number: CHIEF
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: July 18, 1942
Weapon Used: Handgun; .32 caliber
Suspect Info: Executed in 1943
Chief Joseph Henderson and Patrolman Mercer Denby were shot and killed by a drunken soldier Patrolman Denby had arrested. The suspect was able to gain control of Patrolman Denby's weapon and shot him. The suspect then fled into the streets and started to fire the gun randomly.
Chief Henderson was shot when he rushed to the scene to assist Patrolman Denby. Patrolman Denby succumbed to his wounds 6 weeks later.
The suspect was sentenced to death and executed in the electric chair at Reidsville State Prison on May 28, 1943.
Chief Henderson had served with the agency for 14 years. He was survived by his wife and four children.