In the line of duty, Deputy Sheriff Frank Harbison, a 27-year-old male, lost his life on Saturday, September 13, 1952, in Jasper, Alabama. A veteran of World War II, he had been with the Walker County Sheriff's Office for two years and was engaged to be married that coming November.
On that fateful day, Deputy Harbison and his partner, Deputy Sheriff Herman Treece, were investigating a report of illegal liquor. The two deputies went to a home to conduct a search for the illicit alcohol.
While carrying out their duties, both men were met with gunfire. Deputy Harbison and Deputy Treece were shot and killed inside the residence.
Following the shooting, a widespread manhunt was launched for the individual responsible. The suspect later surrendered to the county coroner. In the subsequent legal proceedings, the man was convicted of manslaughter for the deaths of the two deputies. On November 5, 1952, he was sentenced to five years in prison for his crimes.
