Patrolman W. A. Hail, Tarleton State University Police Department, Texas

Patrolman W. A. Hail

Tarleton State University Police Department, Texas

End of Watch Wednesday, December 13, 1978

W. A. Hail

Patrolman W.A. Hail suffered a fatal heart attack at approximately 11:30 pm shortly after chasing several students who were conducting a panty raid at a female dorm following their last final exam.

He had chased several of the male students a short distance before collapsing. Several students performed CPR on Officer Hail but were unable to revive him. He was transported to a local hospital where he died several minutes after midnight.

Patrolman Hail was a WWII veteran and had served with the Tarleton State College Police Department for nine years. He was survived by his wife, son, stepmother, two half-sisters, and two grandchildren.

Bio

Age 56
Tour 9 years
Badge 351
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Heart attack
Incident Date Tuesday, December 12, 1978

foot pursuit, larceny

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Brother, you died while facing one of the stereotypical 'crimes' most people think we campus guys face. You did the right thing. These 'kids' had broken a rule and should have been caught and I applaud your effort. It's such a shame that your sacrifice came because of such foolishness on the part of older children.

I applaud also that at least some of them tried to right their wrong. I hope each and every one of them reflect on that night often and teach their own children the folly of those actions.

Thank you for your service as a WW2 Veteran and as a Brother in the Blue Campus Family. I know that your descendants honor that service and take pride in it.

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Hail and God Bless you.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

July 26, 2017