Roll of Honor
Incident
Undersheriff Harry Worden was shot and killed as he and a posse attempted to arrest several men suspected of robbing the Farmers State Bank of $37,000 in cash and bonds.
The robbery had occurred around 11:00 a.m. that morning, and, by 1:00 p.m., the posse had tracked the suspects to a summer home in Pine Lake. Undersheriff Worden approached the home and attempted to enter, but one of the suspects slammed the door. The suspect then opened fire through the door, striking Undersheriff Worden through the heart and killing him instantly.
Undersheriff Worden's killer attempted to flee, but was apprehended by another deputy, who sustained a gunshot wound during the struggle. Four other suspected robbers were captured as they attempted to escape the house, and three suspects were captured later in the day in the swamp surrounding the house. Several of the men confessed to committing the robbery, and the man who shot Undersheriff Worden confessed to the murder.
Four suspects were convicted of murder and armed robbery and each were sentenced to two life terms. One died in prison in 1952. The other three died in prison before him, one in 1947.
Undersheriff Worden is survived by his wife and three children. He is interred in Grass Lake.
Survivors
Undersheriff Worden is survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MI-02F4E957- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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.
Undersheriff Worden served with the Jackson County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Jackson community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Undersheriff Worden.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Undersheriff Harry Victor Worden 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 MI, 426 of 718 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 59.3% of this state's fallen. That is 5.1 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Jackson County Sheriff's Department, 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. Harry Victor Worden's cause is highlighted.
How Harry Victor Worden Compares
Offender Outcome
All died in prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Harry Victor Worden is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Harry Victor Worden was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Jackson County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
