Remembering fallen Joplin police officer Paul Wesley Harlan

(From the Joplin Police Department)

Today we remember Paul Wesley Harlan

November 22, 1979 Officer Harlan spotted a vehicle suspected of being involved in a hit-and-run accident.

The vehicle, driven by a recent parolee fled, and Officer Harlan became involved in a high-speed pursuit. Both vehicles lost control in loose gravel at Murphy Blvd and Main St. where they struck a stone wall. 

Officer Harlan suffered a splintered leg fracture. During his recovery the next month blood clots traveled from the leg fracture to his heart resulting in his death on Dec 6th, 1979.

Dale Allen, the driver was apprehended and convicted of manslaughter.

Officer Harlan joined the department as an EMT in 1977, became a police officer in June 1978 and moved to traffic in August 1979.