Trooper Garland West Fisher, Jr., Virginia State Police, Virginia

Trooper Garland West Fisher, Jr.

Virginia State Police, Virginia

End of Watch Monday, November 15, 1976

Garland West Fisher, Jr.

Trooper Garland Fisher was shot and killed after being abducted during a traffic stop a wrong-way driver on I-85, south of Petersburg.

Unbeknownst to Trooper Fisher, the suspect was wanted for an earlier kidnapping. During the stop, the suspect was able to disarm Trooper Fisher and shot him. He then forced Trooper Fisher to drive towards Atlanta, Georgia. Trooper Fisher was allowed to radio his headquarters and inform them of what was happening.

Virginia State Police trailed the car into North Carolina where officers from the North Carolina Highway Patrol set up a roadblock approximately 10 miles north of Durham. As the car approached the roadblock, several shots were fired from the car. The officers stationed at the roadblock opened fire on the car, wounding the suspect. Officer Fisher was found dead in the back of the car.

The suspect was taken into custody and charged with murder and kidnapping. He was convicted and sentenced to 80 years in prison, and will not be eligible for parole until 2056.

Trooper Fisher was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and had served with the Virginia State Police for 12 years. He was survived by his wife and daughter.

Bio

Age 33
Tour 12 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Location North Carolina
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Convicted and sentenced to 80 years in p

abducted, traffic stop

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Most Recent Reflection

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My dad was on duty the night you were shot. He never got over the fact that he was so close, but not close enough to reach you in time. I know that it was many, many months before I could get a good nights sleep when dad was on duty after your tragic death. I often wonder how your family has been since then. I hope that God granted them peace and helped them to deal with the loss of a loving husband and father. You made the ultimate sacrifice and all Virginians thank you for your service. I'm sure that you have reaped the greatest reward which is well deserved. God bless you, G.W.

Louis Slade, Jr.
son of Virginia State Trooper L.S.Slade (deceased)

April 28, 2015