HALL COUNTY, Ga. — For nearly 32 years, badge number 434 has belonged to just one Hall County sheriff’s deputy.
It will remain that way.
Deputy Betty Jean Uriegas, whose law enforcement career was cut short by catastrophic injuries suffered in the line of duty but whose courage inspired others for decades, died Aug. 8 at age 66.
The Hall County Sheriff’s Office remembered her as one of the “toughest, most resilient deputies to ever wear the badge.”
Born and raised in Lula, Uriegas began her career with the Sheriff’s Office on Oct. 1, 1985. She worked as a jailer at the Hall County Detention Center and as a dispatcher before achieving what her family said was her dream job — becoming a sheriff’s deputy.
One of only a few women serving with the department at the time, Uriegas also served on the agency’s Honor Guard and Dive Team.
Then, on Aug. 17, 1994, her life changed.
Uriegas was on duty when her patrol vehicle struck a tree, leaving her paralyzed from the shoulders down.
Her patrol career was over, but her story was not.
Uriegas was awarded the Medal of Valor and Purple Heart for her courage and sacrifice. The Sheriff’s Office also retired her badge number — 434 — ensuring no other deputy would wear the number she carried with pride.
What followed were nearly 32 years that her obituary says “revealed the true measure of her character.”
Uriegas refused to allow her injuries to define the limits of her life. In 1996, just two years after the crash, she carried the torch for the Atlanta Paralympic Games — a powerful testament to the determination that would define the decades that followed.
Her strength made her a role model for women in law enforcement and an inspiration to her fellow officers, family and community.
“Truly she was an example for all of us as she displayed strength and courage both on the job and in her personal life,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “Rest well, 434!”
Uriegas is survived by her mother, husband, two children and grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at Memorial Park South Chapel in Flowery Branch. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Kids’ Chance of Georgia Betty Uriegas Memorial Scholarship.
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