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Incident
Undersheriff Harry Worden was shot and killed as he and a posse attempted to arrest several men suspected of robbing the Farmers State Bank of $37,000 in cash and bonds.
The robbery had occurred around 11:00 a.m. that morning, and, by 1:00 p.m., the posse had tracked the suspects to a summer home in Pine Lake. Undersheriff Worden approached the home and attempted to enter, but one of the suspects slammed the door. The suspect then opened fire through the door, striking Undersheriff Worden through the heart and killing him instantly.
Undersheriff Worden's killer attempted to flee, but was apprehended by another deputy, who sustained a gunshot wound during the struggle. Four other suspected robbers were captured as they attempted to escape the house, and three suspects were captured later in the day in the swamp surrounding the house. Several of the men confessed to committing the robbery, and the man who shot Undersheriff Worden confessed to the murder.
Four suspects were convicted of murder and armed robbery and each were sentenced to two life terms. One died in prison in 1952. The other three died in prison before him, one in 1947.
Undersheriff Worden is survived by his wife and three children. He is interred in Grass Lake.
Survivors
Undersheriff Worden is survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Undersheriff Worden served with the Jackson County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Jackson community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Undersheriff Worden.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Jackson County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Harry is one of 415 officers killed feloniously in MI, 59% of the 703 remembered there.
Harry is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Harry 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 1920, 5 officers in MI were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 124 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 14.
In 1920, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1920, 396 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Harry was 35. Of the 400 killed feloniously in MI whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 42; the middle age was 35.
Harry was 35. 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.
Harry was 35. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
July holds 9.2% of these deaths in MI; December holds the most, 12.3%. Thursdays: 15.2%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Jackson County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 59% of all 703 deaths in MI, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 5.5% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Jackson County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, Harry among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 37-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Jackson County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
