Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff P.J. Lappin was shot and killed in Auraria while attempting to arrest a drunk man who had threatened to kill a local merchant. The man opened fire on Deputy Lappin killing him instantly. The victim of the original threat and another man subdued the subject and handed him over to the county sheriff.
The suspect, 29, was convicted of murder and sent to prison. He was paroled on September 30, 1936.
Deputy Lappin had been sworn in only two days earlier.
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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.
Deputy Sheriff Lappin served with the Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Dahlonega community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Lappin.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff P. J. Lappin 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 Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. P. J. Lappin's cause is highlighted.
How P. J. Lappin Compares
Offender Outcome
Paroled in 1936
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. P. J. Lappin is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. P. J. Lappin was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
