Joseph Seawell Gunnell.
Officer Joe Gunnell was killed in an automobile crash while he and another officer responded to reports of two men sleeping on Highway 43 (current-day 378), about four miles west of Columbia.
As the officers came upon the area, the other officer failed to see the men in the curve of the roadway until the last moment and swerved to avoid striking them. The vehicle went down an embankment and into a ditch. Officer Gunnell suffered fatal injuries in the accident.
Officer Gunnell was a United States Army WWII veteran and had served with the West Columbia Police Department for three years.
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In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Police Officer Gunnell gave the West Columbia Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the West Columbia community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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