Prev
Incident
Correctional Officer Tracy Hardin died from what is believed to be an injury suffered while struggling with an inmate at the High Desert State Prison.
Officer Hardin was speaking to the inmate about disciplinary issues when the inmate assaulted him. During the ensuing struggle Officer Hardin injured his ankle.
On January 20th, 2012, Officer Hardin was leaving the prison following his shift when he suddenly pulled into a pulloff outside of the employee parking lot. Seeing this, other officers immediately went to check on him and discovered he wasn't breathing. They immediately initiated CPR but were unable to revive him.
The coroner subsequently ruled his death a homicide and charges are pending against the inmate who assaulted him.
Officer Hardin had served with the Nevada Department of Corrections for 5-1/2 years.
Survivors
He is survived by one child.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnrgt69vknjxz90bn7v3- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Tracy. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Correctional Officer Hardin gave the Nevada Department of Corrections 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of Nevada. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Correctional Officer Hardin.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Nevada Department of Corrections has lost 3 officers; 1 of them lost to cardiac events.
Tracy is one of 9 officers lost to cardiac events in NV, 6.2% of the 146 remembered there.
Tracy is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Tracy is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2012, 1 officer in NV was lost to cardiac events, more than in any other year.
In 2012, 11 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 54th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 2012, 11 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 54th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
Tracy was 55. Of the 9 lost to cardiac events in NV whose age is recorded, half were between 45 and 58; the middle age was 51. Tracy had served 5.5 years; the middle length of service was 3.2 years.
Tracy was 55. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. Tracy had served 5.5 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
Tracy was 55. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. Tracy had served 5.5 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
January holds 11.1% of these deaths in NV; July holds the most, 33.3%. Fridays: 22.2%.
January holds 9.6% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Fridays: 15.8%.
January holds 9.5% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Fridays: 15.8%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Nevada Department of Corrections, the most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 6.2% of all 146 deaths in NV, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
His people
Nevada Department of Corrections has 3 officers remembered here, Tracy among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 32-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Nevada Department of Corrections are honored on badge.nw.
