Chief of Police Irvin Burgess Gossett

Irvin Burgess Gossett

Chief Gossett and Sheriff Waldo Williams, of the Stephens County Sheriff's Department, were shot and killed when they and several other officers attempted to stop a vehicle wanted for a bank robbery. When they stopped the vehicle the occupants exited the vehicle and opened fire. Sheriff Williams was killed at the scene and Chief Gossett succumbed to his wounds five months later. One of the suspects was shot and killed at the scene and the other four were arrested and sentenced to life.

Chief Gossett had served with the agency for 20 years. He was survived by his wife and two sons.