United States of America
Headstone of Kenneth W. Harrison

Kenneth W. Harrison

Died June 8, 1963

Kenneth W. Harrison.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm
What Happened

Patrolman Kenneth Harrison was shot and killed while transporting a man and a woman to Gainesville, Texas. He had arrested the man for drunk driving after he came upon the couple' car crashed in a ditch a few miles from Gainesville. The couple were placed in the back seat of his cruiser because he already had another drunk he had arrested in the front seat. As they arrived in Gainesville the man, a 37-year-old Arizona ex-convict, pulled a pistol and shot Patrolman Harrison five times in the back. Patrolman Harrison's car crashed into a feed store one block from the jail, and both the man and the woman, 38, fled into the store. Responding officers exchanged shots with the two before taking them into custody. Three weeks later the killer's 17-year-old nephew came to the Gainesville Jail and said he wanted to visit his uncle. It was discovered he had a concealed revolver and was planning to attempt to help his uncle escape. On December 10, 1963, the man was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. Patrolman Harrison was WWII veteran and Purple Heart recipient.

Survivors
He had served with the Texas Highway Patrol for seven years and was survived by his wife and three children.
Media
Kenneth W. Harrison
Kenneth W. Harrison 0 views
Service Record
Also Served
Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol
Patrolman
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 50W · Line 1 cut as KENNETH W HARRISON
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krbxtpfzepamk399vd0yv3eq
Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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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.

Patrolman Harrison gave the Texas Department of Public Safety 7 years.

Thank you for your service to the people of Texas, 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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