PGPD Remembers Fallen Officer Carroll Garrison

Let us pause to remember our fallen hero Officer Carroll D. Garrison, lost this day in 1973 while investigating a reported breaking and entering.

Officer Garrison was born on April 16, 1941 and was raised in Hyattsville. After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Navy where he served with honor and distinction for nine years. In 1968, Officer Garrison joined the Prince George's County Police Department, following in the footsteps of his father, Sergeant Carroll V. Garrison. Sergeant Garrison had recently retired from the PGPD after being injured in the line of duty. Officer Garrison was assigned to the Hyattsville station.

On February 20, 1973, at about 8:10 pm, Officer Garrison responded to a report of breaking and entering in progress on Medwick Drive. Officer Garrison was the first officer on scene and discovered a broken window in the back of the home. As he approached the window to investigate, the homeowner, who thought the officer may be an intruder, fired a shotgun from within the home, striking Officer Garrison in the chest. Officer Garrison was rushed to a hospital, where he unfortunately died of his injuries.

Officer Garrison served the Prince George's County Police Department for five years and was the eighth member of this agency to make the ultimate sacrifice. He was the 12th law enforcement officer to give his life while serving this profession within Prince George's County.

At the time of his death, Officer Carroll D. Garrison was 31 years old and survived by his wife.