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Incident
Policeman Walter Brakes was shot and killed as he other officers raided a hotel on Reed Street at approximately 1:30 am.
As they attempted to arrest a drunk man the subject suddenly pulled out a gun and opened fire, striking Policeman Brakes in the chest. Despite being mortally wounded, Policeman Brakes returned fire and mortally wounded the subject.
Policeman Barkes had served with the Waycross Police Department for six years.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Policeman Brakes gave the Waycross Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Waycross community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Brakes.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Waycross Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Walter is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 remembered there.
Walter is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Walter 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 1920, 10 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
In 1920, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1920, 396 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Walter was 39. Of the 481 killed feloniously in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. Walter had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Walter was 39. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Walter had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Walter was 39. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Walter had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 10.6% of these deaths in GA; December holds the most, 10.6%. Thursdays: 12%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Waycross Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.7% of all 905 deaths in GA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 15.3% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Waycross Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Walter among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 19-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Waycross Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
