The Atlanta Police Department is mourning the death of one of its own after an officer was involved in a wreck Thursday evening, officials said.
The collision happened at about 10:30 p.m. along Camp Creek Parkway near Butner Road, South Fulton police said. Officer Bennie Hardeman, who was hired by Atlanta police in April 2019 and worked in the department’s traffic unit, was killed.
“Officer Hardeman was a dedicated law enforcement officer and an invaluable member of the Atlanta PD community,” South Fulton police said. “The loss of a fellow officer is a profound tragedy that leaves a lasting impact on the law enforcement community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected during this difficult time.”
Authorities in South Fulton said the wreck involved a motorcycle. No details were released about what led to the crash.
Earlier this month, Hardeman received an excellence award. In January 2021, the department recognized him for an act of kindness.
Hardeman received a thank-you note from the daughter of a woman he aided when her car broke down on the interstate near the 17th Street bridge in December 2020. He helped the woman, who was at the time undergoing chemotherapy, get to a safe location before calling her a tow truck, Atlanta police wrote in a social media post.
For Matt Westmoreland, a member of the Atlanta City Council who once taught at Carver High School, the death of a former student is never easy. He expressed his admiration for Hardeman as a student and appreciated his contributions to the city.
Robert Clark, an assistant principal at John Lewis Invictus Academy and former educator at Carver, said he remembers coaching Hardeman on the high school’s baseball team. He described him as someone who “always worked hard and had a big heart.”
“This is not only a significant loss for his family and close friends, but also for his APD family,” Atlanta police said. “He was a hard worker who loved his job and co-workers. Officer Hardeman was a kind spirit, with an unforgettable smile and a charming personality.”
Arrangements for Hardeman’s funeral have not been announced.
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