Officer Hezekiah E. Hires

Officer Hezekiah E. Hires

Jacksonville Police Department, Florida

End of Watch Friday, May 13, 1910

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Hezekiah E. Hires

Officer Hezekiah Hires was shot and killed after responding to assist another officer in making an arrest at 428 Bridge Street (present-day Broad Street) in Jacksonville.

At 2:30 a.m., an officer was attempting to close down a bar that was operating after hours. When the owner refused to close down the establishment, the officer tried to arrest him. During the struggle, the owner's son fired at the officer, hitting his face and hand. The officer drew his weapon and returned fire, striking the owner and the owner's wife. The son fled the scene and hid. Officer Hires came to assist the officer after hearing gunfire. The son exited his hiding spot and shot Officer Hires in the back of the head at close range.

The suspect was arrested, convicted of second-degree murder, and sentenced to life in prison. However, he was released prior to serving seven years.

Officer Hires was a U.S. Army veteran and had served with the Jacksonville Police Department for 10 months. He was survived by his father, two brothers, and a sister.

He is buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Jacksonville, Florida.

Bio

  • Age 37
  • Tour 10 months
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Sentenced to life

arrest attempt, officer assistance

Most Recent Reflection

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Officer Hires,
On today, the 115th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

May 13, 2025

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