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Incident
Chief of Police Forrest was assassinated outside of the Central Hotel in Cordele.
The gunman immediately surrendered to the sheriff. The suspect was the son of the previous police chief, who held the office for many years, having only recently been defeated by Chief Forrest for the office. On May 27, 1909, the suspect, 18, was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to 10 years in prison. He was paroled on August 3, 1915.
Chief Forrest had served as the Cordele Police Department's chief of police for almost three months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief of Police Forrest served with the Cordele Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Cordele community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Forrest.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Cordele Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
W. is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 remembered there.
W. is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
W. is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1909, 2 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 90th heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
In 1909, 99 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 52nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1909, 103 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
W. had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
W. had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
W. had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 9.1% of these deaths in GA; December holds the most, 10.6%. Tuesdays: 13.1%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Cordele Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 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 handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.5% 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 handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.4% of these deaths.
His people
Cordele Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, W. among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 31-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Cordele Police Department are honored on badge.nw.