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Incident
Sheriff Hattaway was shot and killed while arresting a suspect for possessing illegal whiskey. Sheriff Hattaway and another officer had gone to the man's home at around noon to serve the warrant when the shooting occurred. The man suddenly produced a pistol and opened fire, striking Sheriff Hattaway. Although mortally wounded, Sheriff Hattaway was able to return fire, striking the suspect five times, and killing him.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Hattaway served with the Laurens County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Dublin community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Hattaway.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Laurens County Sheriff's Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William 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 1919, 10 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
In 1919, 212 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1919, 232 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 34. Of the 481 killed feloniously in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38.
William was 34. 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.
William was 34. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
December holds 10.6% of these deaths in GA, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 12.4%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Laurens County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.7% of all 905 deaths in GA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 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 handgun; pistol, in 0.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 0.5% of these deaths.
His people
Laurens County Sheriff's Department has 3 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 5-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Laurens County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
