Police Officer Joseph William Burson, Holly Springs Police Department, Georgia

Police Officer Joseph William Burson

Holly Springs Police Department, Georgia

End of Watch Thursday, June 17, 2021

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Joseph William Burson

Police Officer Joe Burson succumbed to injuries sustained when he was dragged by a vehicle during a traffic stop of a speeding vehicle at about 11:00 pm.

He had stopped the vehicle on Hickory Road between Little Road and Hickory Hills Drive. At some point during the stop, the driver attempted to flee in the car and dragged Officer Burson alongside it. Officer Burson was able to fatally shoot the subject while being dragged but suffered severe injuries when he fell to the pavement.

Officer Burson had served with the Holly Springs Police Department for 18 months. He is survived by his wife, parents, and brother.

Bio

Age 25
Tour 1 year, 6 months
Badge 235

Incident Details

Cause Vehicular assault
Incident Date Wednesday, June 16, 2021
Weapon Automobile
Offender Shot and killed

traffic stop

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Most Recent Reflection

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During Joe's time at Kennesaw State University, I served as one of Joe's professors. I also mentored Joe along his academic trek, and we became friends. As his professor and mentor, I found Joe to be an outstanding learner and highly motivated to serve his community. He was a sterling example of servant leadership and his probity set an example for all to emulate. Covid restrictions prevented me from being there when Joe was pinned as an officer and graduating from basic mandate training, but we stayed in touch. Joe is our first and hopefully only KSU CJ grad to die in the line of duty. Rest Easy Joe, we have the watch.

Stan Crowder, Ph.D.
Kennesaw State University Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice

November 19, 2022