Cordele Police Department, Georgia
End of Watch Sunday, May 4, 1975
Add to My HeroesWillis R. Haralson
Sergeant Haralson and Trooper James Young, of the Georgia State Patrol, were shot and killed by a suspect who had managed to gain control of Trooper Young's service weapon. Trooper Young had arrested the man and brought him to the Cordele Police Department for a breath test when the suspect attacked the trooper. The suspect was later apprehended and sentenced to life but served only 14 years.
Sergeant Haralson had been with the agency for 15 years and was survived by his wife and three children, one of whom went on to become a law enforcement officer as well.
The younger Haralson spent 11 years as a police officer before being tapped by Governor Joe Frank Harris in 1988 to serve as sheriff of Crisp County. Sergeant Haralson's son served in law enforcement for 37 years and held a number of executive positions in the Georgia law enforcement community including tenure as president of the Georgia Sheriffs' Association, which named him the 2010 Georgia Sheriff of the Year.
Bio
- Age 50
- Tour 15 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Served 14 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 8 ReflectionsSgt. Haralson,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Cordele. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
May 4, 2025
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