Southern Railway Police Department, Railroad Police
End of Watch Sunday, August 25, 1929
Add to My HeroesGlenn Lafayette Varnell
Special Agent Glenn Varnell was shot and killed when he attempted to arrest a man and a juvenile boy, ages 20 and 17, who were trespassing on a train in the area of 24th Street and Railroad Avenue in the downtown rail yards at Birmingham, Alabama.
Special Agent Varnell had taken the two prisoners to a nearby dispatcher's office. As he prepared to search the two one pulled out a pistol and shot Special Agent Varnell in the abdomen. Despite the wound, he was able to return fire and wounded the man. Special Agent Varnell was taken to St. Vincent Hospital where he died two hours after the shooting.
Both subjects were taken into custody a short time later and confessed to the shooting. Both were charged with murder. One was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 15 years.
Special Agent Varnell, a WWI Army veteran, was survived by his wife, three-year-old son, and infant daughter.
Bio
- Age 32
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Location Alabama
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Sentenced to 15 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 4 ReflectionsRest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
August 25, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Andrew Peery
El Paso County Sheriff's Office, CO
EOW: August 7, 2022

Special Police Officer Maurica Manyan
District of Columbia Public Library Office of Public Safety, DC
EOW: August 4, 2022

Sergeant Jèan-Harold Astree
Fairburn Police Department, GA
EOW: July 28, 2022

Sergeant Matthew Fishman
Wayne County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: August 2, 2022

Supervising Fire Marshal John Joseph "Jack" McCauley
New York City Fire Department - Bureau of Fire Investigation, NY
EOW: May 28, 2022

Police Officer Noah Shahnavaz
Elwood Police Department, IN
EOW: July 31, 2022

Deputy Sheriff II Jamie Reynolds
Spalding County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: July 31, 2022

Mounted Deputy Nichole Shuff
Clare County Sheriff's Department, MI
EOW: July 29, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Lorenzo Bustos
Smith County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: July 29, 2022