Sharpsburg Police Department, North Carolina
End of Watch Friday, July 18, 1997
Add to My HeroesWillard Wayne Hathaway
Chief Willard Hathaway succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained the previous day after responding to a domestic dispute call. The suspect also shot and killed his wife during the incident.
The suspect was apprehended following a search involving several hundred officers. On November 10, 1999, the suspect was found guilty of two counts of first degree murder. On November 18, 1999, he was given two death sentences for the murder of his wife and Chief Hathaway, but the death sentence was overturned and he was sentenced to two life sentences.
Chief Hathaway had served as chief of the 6-man department for 25 years. He is survived by his son.
Bio
- Age 47
- Tour 23 years
- Badge 601
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Thursday, July 17, 1997
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Sentenced to two life sentences
Most Recent Reflection
View all 41 ReflectionsYou know who I am and with very few regrets in my life I only wish I could have done something to make ours better unfortunately we were both deprived that opportunity by such a selfish man that still deserves less than what he has. It's a horrible deal and lots of us think miss and love you everyday. I never knew the things you taught me would make me in to the person I have become. I can only pray that someday we will meet again to rejoice the time we spent together. Please know I didn't have any idea that pride and ignorance are on a very thin line and the fact that I take pride in having known you was such a good thing and the good things all come back in time thru Karma. Unfortunately sometimes the bad side of people over come good. I always say we never die as long as we are loved talked about and remembered and so for that I am grateful because I know the good deeds you have done and the mark you left here in this cruel world. Our country is going in a very bad direction and I'm glad you are not here to witness the way officers of law enforcement has and is being viewed and treated because of the way things have been shown to Americans. So glad your not here to see it. Thank you for all you have done for me and everyone you came in contact with here on this God forsaken place. Rest in peace knowing you are not forgotten.
Thank you 81/601 W.W. Hathaway
N.D. 2RHSC
February 10, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Tim Unwin
Springfield Township Police Department, OH
EOW: March 31, 2023

Police Officer Garrett Crumby
Huntsville Police Department, AL
EOW: March 28, 2023

Corporal Scotty Canezaro
Baton Rouge Police Department, LA
EOW: March 26, 2023

Sergeant David Poirrier
Baton Rouge Police Department, LA
EOW: March 26, 2023

Patrolman Joseph Barlow
McAlester Police Department, OK
EOW: March 20, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Jeremy McCain
Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office, OK
EOW: March 20, 2023

Detective Sergeant Mason Griffith
Hermann Police Department, MO
EOW: March 12, 2023

Master Trooper James R. Bailey
Indiana State Police, IN
EOW: March 3, 2023

Police Officer Andres M. Vasquez Lasso
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: March 1, 2023