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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Bert Hard was shot and killed while raiding a gambling den with other deputies near Arcadia, Florida.
The man opened fire on the officers with a Winchester rifle, striking Deputy Hard in the abdomen. The suspect who shot him was captured by an angry mob and lynched after being held by the mob for one week.
Deputy Hard had been sworn in on the day he was murdered to assist with keeping order while a visiting circus was in town.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
134 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy Sheriff Hard served with the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Arcadia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
DeSoto County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Herbert is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.2% of the 1,007 remembered there.
Herbert is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Herbert is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1892, 1 officer in FL was killed feloniously, the 114th heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1892, 81 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 82nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1892, 84 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 81st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Herbert was 22. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36. Herbert had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Herbert was 22. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Herbert had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Herbert was 22. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Herbert had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 7.8% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Saturdays: 20.1%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at DeSoto County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was rifle; winchester, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.2% of all 1,007 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; winchester, in 0.7% 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 rifle; winchester, in 0.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; winchester, in 0.4% of these deaths.
His people
DeSoto County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, Herbert among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 52-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from DeSoto County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
