Officer Down

Sheriff Garry Welford George County Sheriff's Office Mississippi
End of Watch: Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Age: 63
Tour of Duty: 37 years
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Weapon Used: Automobile

Sheriff Garry Welford was struck and killed by the driver of a vehicle being pursued by deputies.

At approximately 2:45 pm deputies from the George County Sheriff's Office were pursuing a pick-up truck that had failed to stop for them. The driver of the vehicle was wanted on a warrant for failing to appear for sentencing on a narcotics charge.

Sheriff Welford was laying spike strips down on Bexley Road South during to aid the pursuit when he was stuck by the suspect's vehicle. He was airlifted to the University of South Alabama Medical Center where he died from his injuries.

The driver and a passenger in the vehicle were taken into custody the next day and charged in connection with the death of Sheriff Welford.

Sheriff Welford was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served as the sheriff of George County for seven years. Prior to being elected he had served for 30 years with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

He is survived by his wife, son, two daughters, and seven grandchildren.

Rest in Peace Bro…We’ll Continue The Watch
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.