Holly Springs Police Department, Georgia
End of Watch Thursday, June 17, 2021
Add to My HeroesJoseph 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
Most Recent Reflection
View all 129 ReflectionsDuring 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
Recent LODD Deaths
Border Patrol Agent David Christopher Maland
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: January 20, 2025
Sergeant Mark Butler
Navasota Police Department, TX
EOW: January 15, 2025
Deputy Sheriff Jesus Vargas
Brazoria County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: January 15, 2025
Police Officer II Colton Dale Pulsipher
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, NV
EOW: December 12, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Timothy Corlew
Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: January 8, 2025
Lieutenant Mark Meadows
Irondale Police Department, AL
EOW: January 6, 2025
Correction Officer Andrew Lansing
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, OH
EOW: December 25, 2024
Trooper Clay M. Carns
Illinois State Police, IL
EOW: December 23, 2024
Police Officer Michael Horan
Greensboro Police Department, NC
EOW: December 23, 2024