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Incident
Patrolman Cleveland was shot and killed after he and two other officers responded to a home on Wilson Street to investigate a report of a suicidal man. The suspect had came home drunk and ordered his family out of the house. When the officers arrived Patrolman Cleveland and another officer walked to the front door. Patrolman Cleveland opened the screen door and told the man to put the gun down but was struck in the head by a shotgun blast fired by the man. The suspect then walked to the back of the house and committed suicide. Patrolman Cleveland had only served with the Elberton Police Department for 6 months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and five children.
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.
Patrolman Cleveland served with the Elberton Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Elberton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Cleveland.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Hugh is the only officer of Elberton Police Department remembered here.
Hugh is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 remembered there.
Hugh is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Hugh is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1951, 4 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
In 1951, 65 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 113th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1951, 69 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Hugh was 35. Of the 481 killed feloniously in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. Hugh had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Hugh was 35. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Hugh had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Hugh was 35. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Hugh had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 7.8% of these deaths in GA; December holds the most, 10.6%. Sundays: 16.4%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Elberton Police Department. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.7% of all 905 deaths in GA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 8.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 43-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Elberton Police Department are honored on badge.nw.