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Incident
Captain Justin Bedwell succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained two days earlier following a vehicle pursuit of two brothers that started in neighboring Seminole County.
The pursuit started when Seminole County deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a pickup truck for reckless driving. The vehicle fled and the occupants opened fire on the deputies, who pursued them into Decatur County. The vehicle stopped in the driveway of a residence near the intersection of U.S. Highway 84 and State Road 310 and the occupants attempted to force entry into the home by shooting through the door.
The homeowner returned fire, prompting the subjects to abandon their attempt to enter the home. As Captain Bedwell arrived in the area one of the subjects opened fire on his patrol car with a .30 caliber rifle, striking him in the chest. A second deputy suffered minor injuries. One subject was arrested at the scene. The second subject, armed with the rifle and wearing a bulletproof vest, was arrested 12 hours later following a manhunt in the area.
Captain Bedwell was flown to a hospital in Tallahassee, Florida, where he succumbed to his wounds while undergoing emergency surgery on March 1st, 2021.
Captain Bedwell had served with the Decatur County Sheriff's Office for 20 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, daughter, and mother.
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
20 years. You could have gone home.
Captain Bedwell gave the Decatur County Sheriff's Office 20 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Bainbridge community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Captain Bedwell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Decatur County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Justin is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 remembered there.
Justin is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Justin 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 2021, 7 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 13th heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
In 2021, 90 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2021, 92 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Justin was 48. Of the 481 killed feloniously in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. Justin had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Justin was 48. 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. Justin had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Justin was 48. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Justin had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in GA; December holds the most, 10.6%. Mondays: 12.6%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Decatur County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; .30 caliber, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.7% of all 905 deaths in GA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; .30 caliber, in 0.2% 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; .30 caliber, in 0% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; .30 caliber, in 0% of these deaths.
His people
Decatur County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, Justin among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 46-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Decatur County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
