JULY 2021 Blues Vol 37 No. 7

Deputy Sheriff William

Deputy Sheriff William H. Smith Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, Alabama End of Watch Sunday, June 6, 2021 Age 57 Tour 7 Years Badge n/A Sergeant Erasmo García-Torres Puerto Rico Police Department, Puerto Rico End of Watch Thursday, June 10, 2021 Age 50 Tour 29 Years 11 Months, Badge # N/A Deputy Sheriff Bill Smith drowned while attempting a water rescue of three distressed swimmers in the Gulf of Mexico off of Fort Morgan Road. He and another deputy entered the water in an attempt to rescue the three swimmers. Deputy Smith also became distressed during the rescue. Deputy Smith was taken to a nearby medical facility where he was pronounced dead. The other deputy and all three swimmers were also treated at local facilities. Deputy Smith had served with the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office for seven years. He had previously served with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office and had served as a firefighter for 30 years. Sergeant Erasmo García-Torres was shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop at the intersection of Calle Villa and Calle Venus in Ponce, Puerto Rico. The driver started to walk away during the stop and Sergeant García-Torres began to follow him. The man suddenly turned around and opened fire on Sergeant García-Torres, striking him in the head. Sergeant García-Torres was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Sergeant García-Torres had served with the Puerto Rico Police Department for 30 years and was assigned to the Ponce East Precinct. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He is survived by his four sons. Police Officer Alexandra Brenneman Harris Seattle Police Department, Washington End of Watch Sunday, June 13, 2021 Age 38 Tour 5 years Badge #N/A Police Officer Lexi Harris was struck and killed by a vehicle while checking on the welfare of several drivers who had just been involved in a vehicle crash on I-5 near Spokane Street. Officer Harris had just completed her shift and was en route home when she encountered the crash at about 1:15 am. She had exited her vehicle to check on the drivers when she was struck by another passing vehicle. After being struck, one of the drivers from the original crash stole her POV and fled the area. The driver who struck her remained at the scene and cooperated with investigating officers. Officer Harris had served with the Seattle Police Department for five years. Police Officer Joseph William Burson Holly Springs Police Department, Georgia End of Watch Wednesday, June 16, 2021 Age 25 Tour 1 Year 6 Months Badge 235 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. 98 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE 99