Assistant Police Chief Drexel Rushing, age 41, was killed in the line of duty in Luverne, Alabama, on July 8, 1971. A member of the Luverne Police Department for eight years and formerly employed in a local motor company body shop, he was shot while assisting fellow officers in the apprehension of a prison escapee. A single bullet from the escapee’s gun struck Rushing; he succumbed to his wounds shortly afterward.

Rushing was a husband and father of three children, two daughters and a son. Law enforcement from surrounding jurisdictions attended his funeral, with State Troopers, sheriffs, and police officers forming an honor escort to the cemetery.

If anyone knew Assistant Chief Rushing or has information about the escapee involved in the July 8, 1971 shooting, please share what is known.