March 2023 Blues Vol 39 No. 3

AROUND THE COUNTRY yrs.

AROUND THE COUNTRY yrs. DEPUTY BILL HARDIN Bill Hardin, a Texas deputy and the oldest and longest serving peace officer in the world, dies at the age of 99. CLEBURNE, TX. - The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement agencies across Texas are mourning the death of lawman Bill Hardin, who died on Feb. 17 surrounded by friends, colleagues and loved ones. Hardin, 99, was the oldest and longest serving peace officer in the world, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office wrote in a Facebook post. “It is with great sadness we announce the loss of a great friend, brother, and lawman,” the sheriff’s office wrote. Hardin reportedly started his career in law enforcement on Feb. 1, 1947, with the Fort Worth Police Department. He would go on to serve the public with the Tarrant County Sheriffs Office, and later at Johnson County Sheriffs Office, where he worked for the past 28 years. “Bill was a true living legend. The oldest and longest running Peace Officer in the world. But more than that he was our brother and our friend,” the sheriff’s office said. “Bill never failed to share his knowledge with our new deputies, and was always ready with a handshake and a smile. His presence within the walls of this agency will be truly missed. More than 100 people from around North Texas came to Cleburne Saturday for a memorial for Hardin, who was the oldest law enforcement officer in the world. On a gloomy, overcast Saturday, there wasn’t grieving but celebrating for Hardin. His calling began February of 1947 in Fort Worth at 22 years old. “Bill joined the Fort Worth Police Department where he helped establish the Texas Narcotics Officers Association,” Hardin’s grandson Matt Bohon shared. Hardin didn’t miss a single day of work when, years later, he moved on to the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office. “Papa actually took a vacation day in order to attend his retirement party from the Fort Worth Police Department,” Bohon said. WFAA spoke to Hardin 6 years ago about his refusal to retire and having already claimed the Guinness World Record title for oldest law enforcement officer. “I’m afraid to stop. I’m afraid I couldn’t get started again,” he said at the time. “I don’t fish. I don’t hunt. Don’t drink. Don’t smoke.” Hardin reportedly did everything from traffic enforcement to homicide and narcotics investigations to guarding the grave of Lee Harvey Oswald. As a reserve deputy in Johnson County, he also hadn’t gotten a paycheck in 28 years. He simply couldn’t stop working. Saturday, state and county leaders shared accolades. Grandchildren shared stories. “Your love for family was unmatched,” Bohon said. “You never missed a family reunion, no matter the location.” There was no grieving for Bill Hardin Saturday, only remembering and honoring. “I think there’s always a moment of sorrow when we lose a loved one,” Hampton said. “But the sorrow of the Christian is always mixed with joy.” In a Facebook post after his passing, the Johnson County Sheriff’s office wrote, “Rest easy Bill. We will take the watch from here.” BILL HARDIN, END OF WATCH FEBRUARY 17, 2023 1924 - 2023 END OF WATCH: FEBRUARY 17, 2023 16 The BLUES The BLUES 17