Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman Walter Brakes was shot and killed as he other officers raided a hotel on Reed Street at approximately 1:30 am.
As they attempted to arrest a drunk man the subject suddenly pulled out a gun and opened fire, striking Policeman Brakes in the chest. Despite being mortally wounded, Policeman Brakes returned fire and mortally wounded the subject.
Policeman Barkes had served with the Waycross Police Department for six years.
Rest in peace Policeman Brakes.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis December 8th, 2021
In Our Keeping
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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.
Policeman Brakes gave the Waycross Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Waycross community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Brakes.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman Walter Brakes 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 Waycross Police Department, 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. Walter Brakes's cause is highlighted.
How Walter Brakes Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Walter Brakes is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Walter Brakes was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Waycross Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
