CAIRO- Master Patrol Officer Clarence “CJ” Williams of the Cairo Police Department passed away while on-duty Saturday, January 28, 2023. 

According to reports, MPO Donnie Roland responded to the area of 10th Street SW and Martin Luther King Drive in reference to assisting the Grady County Sheriff’s Department with a foot chase. 

Upon Roland’s arrival, Deputy Donnie McClendon advised him that there was officer down and to send EMS. McClendon also informed Roland that the officer had lost his radio, and they would be conducting a search for it. 

Sgt. Chris Sapp also arrived on scene to assist and located Williams a couple of blocks away from where he had lost his radio. 

EMS then arrived on scene to pick up Williams, before he eventually succumbed to his injuries. 

CPD Chief Giovannie Santos spoke about Williams and the impact he had at CPD. 

“CJ was the type of person who genuinely cared about making a difference in our community and always approached his duties in that respect,” Santos said. “His interest in our youth and desire to become an officer in the city he grew up in is what stood out the most and is one of the reasons why he became a member of the department.” 

Santos went on to say that anyone who was around Williams knew his smile was infectious. 

“It would not take you long and you would quickly find yourself smiling with him as well, no matter how bad of a mood you may have found yourself in,” Santos said. “I, along with every individual here at the department, will miss him dearly and all our lives are a little less full without his presence.” 

Santos ask that the community please continue to keep Williams, his loved ones and the Cairo Police Department in their prayers during this difficult time.