Florida Sheriff's Deputy Dies in Car Chase in South Alabama
Florida Sheriff's Deputy Dies in Car Chase in South Alabama Save Email Print
Posted: 12:16 PM Aug 21, 2007
 Last Updated: 12:12 PM Aug 22, 2007
12 comments
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GENEVA, Ala. (AP) - Authorities say a Holmes County, Florida, sheriff's deputy was killed Monday night in a single-vehicle crash as he tried to catch a speeding motorist just across the line in Alabama near Geneva.

According to Geneva County Coroner Max Motley and the Holmes County Sheriff's Office, Joe Galloway had been patrolling in the New Hope community and lost control of his patrol car on rural Yancy Road. He hit a tree and overturned.

No information was available about the other vehicle that was being chased.

Geneva County District Attorney Kirke Adams says authorities are still investigating and an autopsy has been scheduled.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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Posted by: Eagle Eye Location: Enterprise on Aug 23, 2007 at 05:47 PM
The person who eluded the officer should be charged to the fullest extent of the law. Maybe all of this will be a lesson to those who are stuck with a moment of stupidity if the thought of running even crosses their mind. Oh and James-Oh yes there are negative comments and uncalled for remarks about the pursuit/chases and veiled inuendos there are 3 down there to be specific. You dont have to be blind and lack intuition to not "get it".
Posted by: james Location: Dothan on Aug 22, 2007 at 03:32 PM
I didn't get that last comment. After reading all comments, never once did i read of anyone blaming the officer nor did i see anyone trying to judge. What i read is there could be many others losing their lives in this same manner. Stop! looking for the negative in these comments.
Posted by: Innocent Bystander Location: Daleville on Aug 22, 2007 at 09:15 AM
Dont blame the officer, blame the person who didnt stop. The officer was just doing what your tax dollars pay him to do: enforce the law. If the officer is unable to ID who is in the car, then he has to chase & we dont know the full circumstances of this case. The car could've been stolen for all we know. Too many people these days have absolutely no respect for the law & the people who do the work. Those people are the same ones who cry & whine about how much the law doesnt do or have some personal issue that they need to work thru. I have my issues with the cops that came into the job thinking that all they are supposed to do is run down bad guys & shoot them up though the job is mostly dealing with people in the community, but there are a lot of good cops that are assests to their communities & are loved by the people that they protect. Until you know these people personally, you have no right to judge. I see this officer has done the job for years & he was respected by many people.
Posted by: know the difference Location: dothan on Aug 22, 2007 at 08:20 AM
I also had a friend to die in a car chase so i feel your pain. No it was not a thug, it was a law officer. I would hate to think he died chasing someone who had a suspended license. Some people are crazy and will run for the thrill of it.
Posted by: Jackie Location: Geneva on Aug 21, 2007 at 10:20 PM
My heart goes out to the entire familyof the officer. I was raised with a father as a police officer, and I know hard it was not knowing if he was coming home that nite or not. I knew the officers son personally and I knew how he felt about the line of duty, just know that we all hate this tradegy and thank God everyday that there is people like them that is there to protect us when ever we need it. I am personally glad that this chase took place but not of the outcome that it had. Because it is people that think they can get away with things like this and never get caught.I feel that if you did something wrong then yes you should pay for what you have done. Just remember you get what you give,and remember that if you live by the law and do what you are suppose to then you never have to worry about the law.
Posted by: jeb Location: enterprise on Aug 21, 2007 at 06:14 PM
if you do not give pursuit to vehicle's that run then whoever wanted to get away could just run, you would be the same person who, if the offender had a child he was going to kill in the car would say," How come they didn't stop the car!!" If you want to second guess the cops do not ever call if you are victimized, because although you are quick to criticize them, they will be there when you call.
Posted by: john Location: alabama on Aug 21, 2007 at 05:28 PM
well its simple, criminals have more rights than citizens and citizens have more rights than cops. thats the way its always been. cops have to PROVE who they are chasing, why, and what they have done wrong. if he let the guy go with just a tag then how can he PROVE who was driving it. i agree there should be a better way but how about solutions instead of complaints. and where are you at 3 am when they are working, you are either asleep like a citizen or you are a cop or a bad guy with few exceptions. thank GOD for that deputy and remember he defends the constitution that allows you to whine because you dont think it was good enough he gave his life trying to make a difference.
Posted by: George Location: Geneva,Alabama on Aug 21, 2007 at 04:35 PM
I was a personal friend of the deputy that lost his life in that crash and yes, I believe that some chases are needed. I believe that there was a good reason why this deputy did what he did but we will never know. Who do you call when your family is in need of protection? Some people have no respect for what the law means these days. I guess it will take a thug doing something to you or your family before you wake up and see that. I would ask that everyone please pray for this family and the other police department members that are having a terrible time dealing with this tragedy.
Posted by: anonymous Location: Enterprise on Aug 21, 2007 at 04:17 PM
I do agree, they should find some way of catching these people without a chase.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Dothan on Aug 21, 2007 at 03:41 PM
I send my blessing to the family of the fallen sheriff. Yes it would be easy to get a tag number but that won't help if they are in a stolen vehicle or have drugs in the car. They are here to serve and protect. Give them a break and pray for his family. Also the men and women who risk their lives everyday. Who is the 1st person you call to protect you or report something? The Law Officers....
Posted by: mike Location: bonifay on Aug 21, 2007 at 02:45 PM
I believe the Holmes county sheriffs dept. thinks they can go wherever they want however they want. I have my gripes about them but im afraid to put them here for fear of retribution.
Posted by: WHAT WILL IT TAKE Location: DOTHAN on Aug 21, 2007 at 12:30 PM
Why do Cops chase people. Do they think they are on Dukes of Hazard? Couldn't it just as easy to get the tag number of the car and wait until the car has stop. Sure it won't be as exciting but maybe it will save a life.
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