Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Harrelson was shot and killed by one of two men who attempted to rob him as he arrived at his home in Lakeland, Florida. The deputy's brother returned fire at the fleeing suspects peppering them both with birdshot. One was captured the next day and the other was captured three weeks later. Both were convicted of murder. The shooter was executed in the electric chair on April 7, 1927. Deputy Harrelson was transported to Lakeland Hospital where he died of his injuries.
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BO-US-FL-447D7FA9- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Deputy Sheriff Harrelson served with the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Winter Haven community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Harrelson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff J. Edward Harrelson is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In FL, 539 of 1,008 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53.5% of this state's fallen. That is 53.5 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Polk County Sheriff's Department, 7 of 18 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 38.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. J. Edward Harrelson's cause is highlighted.
How J. Edward Harrelson Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. J. Edward Harrelson is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. J. Edward Harrelson was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
17 officers from Polk County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
