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Incident
Chief of Police John Harden was shot and killed by the youngest of two brothers, 14 and 18, after they crashed their car, he and the county jailer were chasing, about a mile from Ellaville. Chief Harden and the county jailer engaged in a struggle with one when the second brother slashed the jailer in the face with a knife five times, requiring 144 stitches. He said he was holding the Chief's gun but dropped it as he fell on the ground during the slashing. The 14-year-old picked it up and shot Chief Harden five times, twice in the chest, twice in the face, and once in the back. The jailer was left permanently disfigured. On February 17, 1966, both brothers were convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to six years each. The youngest was to serve his sentence in a state training school. Chief Harden was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Army. One record, 2 gates. John is one person.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Chief of Police Harden served with the Ellaville Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Ellaville community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
John Alvin Harden served in the U.S. Army before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Ellaville Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
John 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 1965, 6 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 20th heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
In 1965, 78 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 89th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1965, 80 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 91st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 46. Of the 481 killed feloniously in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38.
John was 46. 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.
John was 46. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
November holds 8% of these deaths in GA; December holds the most, 10.6%. Saturdays: 20.6%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Ellaville Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, 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 officer's handgun, in 6.7% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Ellaville Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, John among them.
Military Service
John Alvin Harden served in the U.S. Army before joining law enforcement.
Visit John Alvin Harden’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 53-W
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Ellaville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.