Holly MatkinHaralson County, GA – Haralson County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Detention Officer Daniel “Dan” Salazar died on Nov. 8 after an unintentional firearm discharge at his home.
HCSO deputies responded to a local residence shortly before 6 p.m. and discovered the 27-year-old detention officer had been fatally shot, the sheriff’s office said in a press release on Nov. 10.
“Investigators and the crime scene technician were called to the scene and began to investigate,” the HCSO said. “The initial finding of the investigation point to an accidental discharge of a weapon that killed Daniel Salazar, the investigation is ongoing.”
It is unclear how the weapon discharged or who fired it.
No further details were immediately released.
Detention Officer Salazar’s sister, Stephanie Salazar, said on a fundraising page that her brother relocated to Georgia from New York in 2020 and began working for the HCSO.
“He loved what he did and wore his uniform with pride,” she said. “Daniel was an incredible young man who inspired and touched many lives through his great sense of humor.”
Detention Officer Salazar served on the agency’s road crew, which involved taking inmates outside of the facility to do work, the HCSO said.
“Daniel was a good officer,” Haralson County Sheriff Stacy Williams said in the press release. “He did his job well; he would jump in and help when needed and always had a smile. He will be missed greatly here at the Sheriff’s office.”
A memorial service honoring Detention Officer Salazar was held on Nov. 14.
“We ask that you keep his family and his work family in your thoughts and prayers at this time,” the HCSO said.
The Haralson County Sheriff’s office is mourning the loss of one of our own. Detention Officer Daniel Salazar died in a tragic accident earlier this week. Deputies were called to the residence on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, a little before 6:00 PM in reference to a gunshot wound. pic.twitter.com/dfZYPwZeqd
— Haralson Sheriff (@HaralsonSheriff) November 10, 2022
On Monday afternoon, we held a memorial service for the late Detention Officer Daniel Salazar. Daniel’s parents and some family were able to attend. The family will be taking him back to New York for burial. Please continue to keep them in your prayers. #HCSO pic.twitter.com/5Lo5qLmfnB
— Haralson Sheriff (@HaralsonSheriff) November 16, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Haralson County Sheriff’s Office Detention Officer Daniel “Dan” Salazar, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
