Deputy Sheriff Ernest C. Prouty

Deputy Ernest Prouty died from an internal infection resulting from a gunshot wound to the stomach and liver suffered seven weeks earlier.

Deputy Prouty and another officer were investigating the illegal sale of gasoline and a subsequent stabbing in Newland when he was shot.

Deputy Prouty had served with the Jasper County Sheriff's Department for four years. He was the county's first deputy and only had four months to work to be eligible for retirement.