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 6 ReflectionsTo fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to be among the first to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace
Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
May 10, 2013
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