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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Bart Hart was killed when his patrol car was struck head-on on Firetower Road, near Marshell Road in Wetumpka, at approximately 7:45 pm.
He had just cleared the scene of another accident and was traveling south when the other vehicle crossed the center line at a high rate of speed and struck his patrol car. Despite wearing his seatbelt, Deputy Hart suffered fatal injuries. Three of the four 16-year-old occupants of the other car, including the driver, were killed in the crash. The fourth occupant suffered life-threatening injuries.
Deputy Hart had served with the Elmore County Sheriff's Office for 2-1/2 years after retiring from the Montgomery Fire Department.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and daughter.
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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Hart gave the Elmore County Sheriff's Office 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Wetumpka community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Hart.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Elmore County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
James is one of 182 officers lost to accidents in AL, 28.3% of the 643 remembered there.
James is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2014, 2 officers in AL were lost to accidents, the 27th heaviest of 85 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 6.
In 2014, 48 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 99th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2014, 51 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 103rd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 50. Of the 160 lost to accidents in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 47.3; the middle age was 36.5. James had served 2.5 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
James was 50. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. James had served 2.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 50. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. James had served 2.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 8.2% of these deaths in AL; July holds the most, 13.2%. Sundays: 18.7%.
November holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Sundays: 14%.
November holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 25% of all 4 deaths at Elmore County Sheriff's Office, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 28.3% of all 643 deaths in AL, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Elmore County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, James 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
3 officers from Elmore County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
