Chester police mourn death in their family

By Andrew Dys - The Herald

CHESTER � The Chester Police Department considered Lt. Tommy Harrison family. That family is mourning after the death of Harrison this week from what appears to be a heart attack, said Police Chief Mike Brown.

Harrison, a 29-year veteran who worked his way up through the ranks to be in charge of the department's patrol division, was 60.

The funeral for Harrison will be at 11 a.m. today at Chester ARP Church. Mitch Foster, mayor of Chester, and Brown are expected to speak.

Photo 1: Chester police mourn death in their family

"Tommy was all heart, the kind of guy who treated people like he wanted to be treated," Brown said. "Some said he was like my right-hand man, and I guess that is right. He was an officer with me, but he was also one of my best friends."

Harrison was a well-known peacemaker, whom Brown said could handle a tense situation and keep potential problems from worsening, making him a valuable officer in Chester.

Harrison, a big guy at about 6 feet 2 inches tall, was known for working out at the Chester YMCA, where he was a member of the board of directors. He was well-known and respected in Chester, said the department's Lt. Furber Gregory.

"He treated everybody fairly all his life," said Gregory, who worked with Harrison for 17 years.

Harrison had no children, but Brown and Gregory said the police department was family to Harrison. Brown found Harrison at Harrison's Chester home Tuesday.

Andrew Dys • 803-329-4065