Houston County Sheriff’s Office Line of Duty Deaths

Deputy H. Grady Granger

March 26, 1889 – November 27, 1915

Killed in the line of duty.

Deputy Grady Granger was shot and killed as he and another deputy attempted to search a buggy that was suspected of transporting whiskey.

The suspect turned himself in a short time later and was charged with murder. A jury found him not guilty.

Deputy Lucious Alvan North

July 22, 1884 – August 17, 1916

Killed in the line of duty.

Deputy Alvan North was shot and killed by the father and brother of a man he had arrested earlier in the day for riding passenger trains without paying. When the father learned that the man had been brought before the justice of the peace, he and the brother became enraged and went to the justice’s store to confront him.

After exchanging words with the justice and Deputy North, the two suspects opened fire, striking Deputy North in the abdomen. Despite being mortally wounded, Deputy North returned fire and fatally wounded the younger attacker. The father was arrested a short time later. He was convicted of murder approximately one month later and sentenced to life in prison.

Deputy North was survived by his wife and two children.

Investigator Garvious Snellgrove

June 21, 1907 – December 14, 1969

Died in the line of duty.

Lieutenant Fred McLain

July 31, 1927 – October 12, 1980

Died in the line of duty.

Lieutenant McLain suffered a fatal heart attack when he was assaulted at a shots fired call. He and another deputy had responded to the call and encountered two intoxicated men. One of the suspects pulled a knife on the two officers, who then called for backup. One of the suspects then struck Lieutenant McLain on the head. As the lieutenant pulled out his service revolver, he suffered a heart attack and collapsed.

Lieutenant McLain had served with the Houston County Sheriff’s Office for 10 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.