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Incident
Police Officer George Dotson and Officer G. A. Jackson were shot and killed while on foot patrol near the town square. They encountered a group of five suspicious men near South First Street and Flower Street. A gun battle ensued when the suspects opened fire on the officers with sawed-off shotguns. Both officers were mortally wounded. The five suspects were eventually apprehended but none were convicted of the murders. On July 9, 1939, one of the suspects was convicted of first degree murder of a man at a beer parlor in Columbia and sentenced to 28 years in prison. Officer Dotson had served with the Pulaski Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Dotson gave the Pulaski Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Pulaski community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Dotson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Pulaski Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
George is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 remembered there.
George is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
George is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1926, 4 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1926, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1926, 209 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
George had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
George had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
George had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 6.6% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Tuesdays: 13.1%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Pulaski Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 12.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Pulaski Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, George among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 30-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Pulaski Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
