Deputy Sheriff Dwain L. Hardigan

Dwain, I know it’s been 42 years as of this last May. I vaguely remember accompanying my dad to your apartment and you and he would tease me telling me about how I was got to live with you because I was being traded for that prized pistol. Dwain I didn’t know you all that well because at the time of your tragic and untimely passing I was only 7.
I do recall my Dad talking about that tragic day and how He and the other Deputy involved where the ones that were to be on that plane May 4,1979 but because he (my dad) had forgotten his binoculars at home, you asked if Dad minded if you went instead.
I remember the night you passed away and how my Dad came in the house with the 2 collar pins in his hands, one was yours and one was from dads coat that he placed over you after the crash, both had blood on them. He wore those 2 pins for the rest of his career with the Albany County Sheriff’s Office until 1991 when he left office as Sheriff after Don retired.
But as I’m sure you are well aware by now my Dad is I hope with you and Jim Conyers and your all laughing and talking about the good times you all had together and I hope you all have matching pistols.
Dwain I thank you for your service to the citizens of Albany County and it is with a heavy heart I say thank you for your sacrifice that day.

Cliff Bennett
Friend

July 25, 2021