Walden Police Department, Tennessee
End of Watch Tuesday, April 15, 1997
Add to My HeroesGary F. Dockery
Patrolman Gary Dockery succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained eight years earlier when he was shot on September 7th, 1988.
Officer Dockery had responded to a false 911 call by a drunken man who intended to shoot the responding officer. The man was upset about previously being reprimanded by officers following a noise complaint made by neighbors. The man shot Patrolman Dockery Dockery in the head, causing him to lapse into a coma.
He remained in the coma for eight years until suddenly waking on February 11th, 1996, and speaking freely. Although he was paralyzed, he was able to talk and communicate with his family for 18 hours before gradually falling back into a semi-conscious state. He was awaiting physical therapy when he suffered medical complications and died on April 15th, 1997.
The suspect was convicted of shooting Officer Dockery and sent to prison. He was denied parole in September 2001 and died while still incarcerated in May 2006.
Officer Dockery had served with the Walden Police Department for 10 years at the time of the shooting. He was survived by his wife and two sons.
Bio
- Age 43
- Tour 10 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Wednesday, September 7, 1988
- Weapon Handgun; Derringer
- Offender Died in prison
Most Recent Reflection
View all 36 ReflectionsPatrolman Dockery,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Walden. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
April 15, 2022
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