Roll of Honor
Incident
County Policeman William Wester was shot and killed as he and a county bailiff approached an automobile containing four men on a farm four miles southwest of Cedartown.
One of the occupants opened fire with a shotgun killing Policeman Wester instantly and seriously wounding the bailiff. The suspects abandoned and ran from their automobile as the bailiff returned fire. All four suspects were apprehended hours later. Fifteen gallons of illegal whiskey was found in the automobile.
On September 4, 1931, Policeman Wester's killer, 28, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. He was paroled on December 9, 1936. One of the other three, 37, was also sentenced to life and paroled on January 28, 1935.
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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.
County Policeman Wester served with the Polk County Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Cedartown community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, County Policeman Wester.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
County Policeman William Jasper Wester 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 Polk County 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. William Jasper Wester's cause is highlighted.
How William Jasper Wester Compares
Offender Outcome
Paroled in 1936
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Jasper Wester is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Jasper Wester was killed by shotgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Polk County Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
