West Columbia Police Department, South Carolina
End of Watch Friday, July 22, 1949
Add to My HeroesJoseph Seawell Gunnell
Officer Joe Gunnell was killed in an automobile crash while he and another officer responded to reports of two men sleeping on Highway 43 (current-day 378), about four miles west of Columbia.
As the officers came upon the area, the other officer failed to see the men in the curve of the roadway until the last moment and swerved to avoid striking them. The vehicle went down an embankment and into a ditch. Officer Gunnell suffered fatal injuries in the accident.
Officer Gunnell was a United States Army WWII veteran and had served with the West Columbia Police Department for three years. He was survived by his wife, young daughter, parents, two sisters, and one brother.
Bio
- Age 28
- Tour 3 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Automobile crash
Most Recent Reflection
View all 11 ReflectionsOfficer Gunnell,
On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
July 22, 2024
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