In 1937, “Hugh” Garrison joined the Visalia Police Department and served in this capacity until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Upon his discharge in 1946, he returned to the department.

On November 6, 1946, 38-year-old Sergeant Garrison and a 23-year-old suspect, Clyde Bauer of Woodlake, were both mortally wounded.

Police had been on the alert for Bauer for about 43 hours, as he was suspected of stealing an automobile from a Main Street garage after smashing a storeroom window.

While attempting to arrest the fugitive, a confrontation developed between Garrison and Bauer, both of whom were armed. Garrison was shot once at close range and the suspect, Bauer, was struck twice.

Sergeant Garrison, who was survived by his wife, Geneva (now deceased), was interred in the Visalia Cemetery on November 7, 1946. In 1992, relatives donated Sergeant Garrison’s badge and Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum revolver inscribed “CHG” to the Visalia Police Department museum.