Augusta, Georgia — A Georgia sheriff’s office is mourning the sudden loss of two deputies who died within less than 24 hours of each other, leaving colleagues and two families grieving after separate tragedies.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office announced the deaths in a Wednesday, Aug. 19, news release, identifying the fallen officers as Deputy Jailer Michael Davis and Deputy Phillip Wasson. While the circumstances surrounding their deaths were unrelated, the timing has left the department facing an extraordinary period of grief.
Michael Davis Dies After Medical Emergency
Deputy Jailer Michael Davis died unexpectedly on Tuesday, Aug. 18, following a medical emergency, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
Davis had dedicated 28 years to the sheriff’s office and was assigned to D Shift at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center.
His lengthy career made him a longtime member of the agency, and his death marked the loss of a deputy who had spent decades serving the department and the citizens of Richmond County.
The sheriff’s office did not provide additional details about the medical emergency in its announcement.
Phillip Wasson Killed in Traffic Collision
Less than a day later, the department suffered another devastating loss.
Deputy Phillip Wasson died following a traffic collision on Wednesday morning, the sheriff’s office said. Wasson had served with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office for 18 years and was assigned to the traffic division.
According to information from the Richmond County Coroner’s Office, Wasson was driving westbound on Washington Road when another vehicle crossed the center lane. The vehicles collided, and Wasson was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the other vehicle, identified as Heather Lanier, was transported to a hospital and later pronounced dead.
Sheriff’s Office Calls Loss ‘Heartbreaking’
The deaths of Davis and Wasson within such a short period have deeply affected the sheriff’s office.
In its statement, the agency emphasized that the two deputies collectively provided 46 years of service to the department and the Richmond County community.
But officials stressed that their contribution could not be measured simply by the number of years they wore the uniform.
“Together, Deputy Davis and Deputy Wasson gave 46 years of service to this agency and the citizens of Richmond County,” the sheriff’s office said.
The department described Davis and Wasson as deputies, coworkers, friends and members of the Sheriff’s Office family, calling them its “Brothers.”
Two Families Now Grieving
The sheriff’s office also acknowledged that the tragedy extends far beyond the department itself.
“Today [Aug. 19], there are two families grieving the loss of someone they loved, and there are coworkers throughout our agency grieving alongside them,” the agency said.
The statement reflected the difficult reality facing colleagues who are simultaneously coping with the deaths of two members of their professional family.
Funeral arrangements for both deputies have not yet been announced.
Department Asks Community for Prayers
As the investigation into Wasson’s fatal crash continues and the department mourns Davis, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is asking members of the public to remember the deputies’ families, friends and colleagues.
The agency ended its message with a tribute to the two officers:
“Rest easy, brothers. Your service will not be forgotten.”
For the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, the coming days will be focused on honoring two deputies whose combined 46 years of service represented decades of commitment to their community.
What are your thoughts on the loss of these two Georgia deputies? Share your condolences and reflections in the comments below.