Roll of Honor
Incident
Sheriff Hattaway was shot and killed while arresting a suspect for possessing illegal whiskey. Sheriff Hattaway and another officer had gone to the man's home at around noon to serve the warrant when the shooting occurred. The man suddenly produced a pistol and opened fire, striking Sheriff Hattaway. Although mortally wounded, Sheriff Hattaway was able to return fire, striking the suspect five times, and killing him.
Rest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you Hero and your family for your courage, sacrifice and service. Always remembered.
Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.) Upland Police Dept. CA December 24th, 2019
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-GA-1A7E1067- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Hattaway served with the Laurens County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Dublin community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Hattaway.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sheriff William L. Hattaway 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 Laurens County Sheriff's Dept., 2 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William L. Hattaway's cause is highlighted.
How William L. Hattaway Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William L. Hattaway is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William L. Hattaway was killed by handgun; pistol.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Laurens County Sheriff's Dept. are honored on badge.nw.
