Roll of Honor
Incident
Chief of Police Fred Adams was shot and killed in the residential section of the city.
He was hailed by a cafe owner and, as he pulled over to speak to him, the man suddenly produced a pistol and shot Chief Adams without warning. The man, 52, was arrested and charged with Chief Adams' murder.
A motive could not be determined. He was convicted of murder and died in the electric chair on November 18, 1947.
On June 9, 1923, the suspect, his brother, and another man killed their cousin in Madison. His body was found a few days later near Columbia, South Carolina. All three were convicted of murder and sentenced to life. On September 10, 1931, all three were pardoned by Governor Richard H. Russell Jr. The governor said only circumstantial evidence was used at their trials.
Chief Adams was a U.S. Army veteran. He was survived by his wife, son, and several siblings.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, and several siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-GA-35D46906- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Fred. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
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 Adams served with the Madison Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Madison community. Thank you 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
Fred Hardeman Adams served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Chief of Police Fred Hardeman Adams is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In GA, 548 of 903 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.7% of this state's fallen. That is 6.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Madison Police Department, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Fred Hardeman Adams's cause is highlighted.
How Fred Hardeman Adams Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 1947
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Fred Hardeman Adams is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Fred Hardeman Adams was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Madison Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
