Patrolman Grady Van Wilson, Camden Police Department, Arkansas

Patrolman Grady Van Wilson

Camden Police Department, Arkansas

End of Watch Monday, June 18, 1973

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Grady Van Wilson

Patrolman Grady Wilson was accidentally shot and killed while attending a training course at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy in East Camden, Arkansas.

Following a training course, he and his roommate returned to their dorm room and were practicing techniques. The roommate pointed his revolver at Patrolman Wilson and pulled the trigger, thinking it was unloaded. The weapon discharged and struck Patrolman Wilson in the abdomen. Patrolman Wilson was transported to Ouachita County Hospital, where he succumbed to the wound.

Patrolman Wilson had been with the Camden Police Department for one year. He was survived by his wife.

Bio

Age 22
Tour 1 year
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire (Inadvertent)

training

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Most Recent Reflection

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Van it's been 52 years since that day and not a day goes by that I don't think on you. I wish that I could be sure that I did everything possible and right trying to take care of you, I'm sorry that I wasn't better. I'm old now and I cry more now than back then. I will always remember you looking in my eyes knowing that I was there with you but barely able to speak. Every day I wish you had been able to reach where I am now, the others of us still around do as well I'm sure. You'd have been a great police officer, I know it. My 13th great-grandchild was born today and when he gets older I'll tell him of my friend Van Wilson just like I have the others. You're with the Lord in Heaven, I know it!

Randall L Daily, former Captain
Former Jacksonville PD (Arkansas) ALETA classmate

June 15, 2025