Atlanta Officer Who Died In South Fulton Crash Was 'A Kind Spirit'

SOUTH FULTON, GA — Atlanta Police Officer Bennie Hardeman was killed Thursday night in an off-duty crash that involved a motorcycle and another vehicle at Camp Creek Parkway, near Butner Road, Channel 2 Action News reported Friday.

"This is not only a significant loss for his family and close friends but also for his APD family. He was a hard worker who loved his job and co-workers. Officer Hardeman was a kind spirit with an unforgettable smile and charming personality," Atlanta Police said in a statement.

Hardeman had been with the police department since April 11, 2019, and was assigned to the Zone 5 Traffic Unit.

He was recognized in a Jan. 29, 2021, APD Facebook post after he assisted a woman whose car had broken down on an interstate near the 17th Street bridge in December 2020. According to the post, the woman's car had stalled in the center lane, and Hardeman ensured the woman was safely relocated.

Hardeman called a tow truck and waited for the woman's family to pick her up, police said. The woman later sent a thank you card to Hardeman, which stated she was undergoing chemotherapy at the time and was experiencing a tough year.

Police said the card stated the woman's father had been an APD officer.

"The actions taken by Ofc. Hardeman are just one of the many examples of good deeds that our officers do every day without recognition or praise. They wear the badge because they truly care about helping people and making their communities a better place. Thank you to Officer Hardeman and all of our officers who do good things every day," police said in the post.

Police said Friday Hardeman received an APD Excellence Award earlier this month. APD said the South Fulton Police Department is investigating his death.

Patch is awaiting a response from police regarding additional crash details.