John Alvin Harden served in the U.S. Army.
Chief of Police John Harden was shot and killed by the youngest of two brothers, 14 and 18, after they crashed their car, he and the county jailer were chasing, about a mile from Ellaville. Chief Harden and the county jailer engaged in a struggle with one when the second brother slashed the jailer in the face with a knife five times, requiring 144 stitches. He said he was holding the Chief's gun but dropped it as he fell on the ground during the slashing. The 14-year-old picked it up and shot Chief Harden five times, twice in the chest, twice in the face, and once in the back. The jailer was left permanently disfigured. On February 17, 1966, both brothers were convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to six years each. The youngest was to serve his sentence in a state training school. Chief Harden was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII.
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In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Chief of Police Harden served with the Ellaville Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Ellaville community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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