Patrolman Hugh Dorsey Cleveland, Elberton Police Department, Georgia

Patrolman Hugh Dorsey Cleveland

Elberton Police Department, Georgia

End of Watch Sunday, September 30, 1951

Hugh Dorsey Cleveland

Patrolman Cleveland was shot and killed after he and two other officers responded to a home on Wilson Street to investigate a report of a suicidal man. The suspect had came home drunk and ordered his family out of the house. When the officers arrived Patrolman Cleveland and another officer walked to the front door. Patrolman Cleveland opened the screen door and told the man to put the gun down but was struck in the head by a shotgun blast fired by the man.

The suspect then walked to the back of the house and committed suicide.

Patrolman Cleveland had only served with the Elberton Police Department for 6 months. He was survived by his wife and five children.

Bio

Age 35
Tour 6 months
Badge 5

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Shotgun
Offender Committed suicide

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Most Recent Reflection

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I joined the Elberton Police Department in January of 2013. One of the first things I learned about the history of our department was your story. The loss of such a sheepdog was tragic, but the lessons learned have burned into my memory. Not every situation can be resolved peacefully, and it sometimes the peacekeepers have to become warriors just to keep the peace that we are sworn to uphold. You never got the chance to go home and say goodbye to your family, but I am sure they know that you love them. May your name and deeds be remembered forever, as it is engraved on our badge HDC 5. I have visited your grave at Elmhurst, and reflected on the dangers of our calling, and through your sacrifice I have learned to be ever vigilant, and I am honored to wear the shield that bears your initials and your number above my own. Thank you for holding the line, brother.

Officer Rick Carter #913
Elberton Police Department, Elberton Georgia

May 22, 2014