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Incident
Chief of Police Walter Holcombe was shot and killed after he and several other officers went to investigate reports of several hobos along Higgins Creek near the Alice Cotton Mill.
When the officers arrived the suspects opened fire on them, fatally wounding Chief Holcombe. The shooter was apprehended and sentenced to six years in prison after pleading self-defense.
Chief Holcombe had served with the Easley Police Department for five years and had previously served with the Central Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief of Police Holcombe gave the Easley Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Easley community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Holcombe.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Easley Police Department has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Walter is one of 272 officers killed feloniously in SC, 61.5% of the 442 remembered there.
Walter is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Walter is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1921, 6 officers in SC were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 119 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 7.
In 1921, 248 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1921, 516 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
Who
Walter was 43. Of the 243 killed feloniously in SC whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. Walter had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 5.3 years.
Walter was 43. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Walter had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Walter was 43. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Walter had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 7% of these deaths in SC; July holds the most, 10.7%. Mondays: 13.6%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Easley Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.5% of all 442 deaths in SC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 21% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Easley Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Walter among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 61-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Easley Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
