Roll of Honor
Incident
Sheriff Shirey was shot and killed when he was ambushed while attempting to destroy a still in rural Troup County. Eleven suspects were apprehended the following day. At least two of the suspects were convicted of Sheriff Shirey's murder. One of the suspects was sentenced to life. The second suspect was sentenced to death and was hung on Court Square on July 26, 1917.
Sheriff Shirey had served as the Sheriff of Troup County for three years.
Our thanksfor the service of Sheriff William Shirey on this, the 100th anniversary of his death. The Thin Blue Line survives.
Stan Jefferson Citizen of Arizona February 26th, 2017
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-GA-30894E8E- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Shirey gave the Troup County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the LaGrange community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Shirey.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sheriff William Brewer Shirey 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 97,756 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 60.7 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Troup County Sheriff's Office, 1 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William Brewer Shirey's cause is highlighted.
How William Brewer Shirey Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Brewer Shirey is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Brewer Shirey was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Troup County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
