Chief of Police Henry J. Searcy, Leighton Police Department, Alabama

Chief of Police Henry J. Searcy

Leighton Police Department, Alabama

End of Watch Saturday, May 11, 1957

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Henry J. Searcy

Chief Searcy was shot and killed from ambush at approximately 5 a.m. He had taken off his gun belt to adjust some equipment on it when a suspect opened fire on him with a .44 caliber rifle. Chief Searcy was struck ten times and killed almost instantly.

The suspect, who had earlier been charged by Chief Searcy for killing an animal without cause, turned himself in approximately 30 minutes later. He was charged with Chief Searcy's murder. On December 5, 1957, he was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life.

Chief Searcy was a WWII Army veteran and had served as chief of the 2-person Leighton Police Department for 2.5 years. He had previously served with the Colbert County Sheriff's Department for 7.5 years. He was survived by his parents, three brothers, and five sisters.

Bio

Age 37
Tour 10 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Rifle; .44 caliber
Offender Sentenced to life

ambush

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Most Recent Reflection

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Chief Searcy was a very close friend of my parents John Bunn and Mary Charlotte Hall. I remember him being in our home several times. I was 6 years old when Little Russ Deloney shot and killed him. I remember my momma and daddy being so upset the night it happened. You will never be forgotten Chief Henry J. Searcy. You are a True American Hero and may you continue to Rest In Peace forever in Heaven. God Bless your family.

Charlotte Hall Lawson
Little girl who never forgot him.

April 20, 2018