Houston County Mourns the Loss of Centerville Police Officer

Today, the Centerville Police Department said goodbye to Sergeant Woody Hudgens, Jr. The officer was killed last Friday, June 9th in a motorcycle accident.

“He’s going to be dearly missed and there’s a hole in my heart,” says Sergeant Phillip Prichett.

For the past three years, Sergeant Prichett served as a partner, co-sergeant and friend of Woody Hudgens.

“Woody was not just an employee, he was my friend,” says Chief Sidney Andrews, Centerville Police Department.

Middle Georgia law enforcement agencies joined the Centerville Police Department to celebrate the life of this fallen hero.

“Anytime you see a fellow rider go down, with such a tragic accident as this, you never know when God is going to call for you, and my heart dropped when I saw the name and who it was,” says Captain David Blanton, Georgia Pride Riders.

Honoring Woody Hudgens focused on his many sides: the protector, the officer, the comedian, the teacher, and the friend. A man who will not be forgotten.

“Losing Sergeant Hudgens, it leaves a big hole, not only in our hearts, in our department, in our community, in the city of Centerville, and in the Middle Georgia Law enforcement area. It leaves a big hole, but with Woody still with us in our hearts, we will be able to carry on,” says Sergeant Prichett.

Sergeant Hudgens served as a member of the Warner Robins Police Department for 16 years before dedicating the last 3 years of his life to the Centerville Police Department.

“The Woody Hudgens Memorial Fund” has been set up for his family. Donations can be made at any Robins Federal Credit Union branch.