Chief of Police William James Kittrell

William James Kittrell

Chief of Police William Kittrell was shot and killed while he and one of his officers attempted to arrest a woman during a domestic dispute.

The woman and her father, who was trying to get her out of town, were at the local train depot when the officers attempted to stop them. The father opened fire on the officers, striking Chief Kittrell in the spine. The other officer was able to return fire and kill the suspect.

Chief Kittrell was survived by his wife, four daughters, and an unborn son. He was the first Gainesville officer to be killed in the line of duty.