Panola County Lawman Killed in Accident

FAIR PLAY — According to the Panola County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office, one of its own has been killed in an off-duty car accident. Officials tell KETK the accident involving Deputy Constable Byron McMillen, 63, occurred around 7:00 Wednesday morning. The collision happened on Highway 79 near Fair Play, stated the Panola County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO). Fair Play is located about halfway between Henderson and Carthage. McMillen was pronounced dead by Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 David Gray. McMillen worked for both Precincts 1 and 4 during his time in Panola County. The deputy constable also worked as a reserve deputy for the sheriff’s department from 1984 to 2012, when he retired as a captain. He was additionally a part-time instructor for the East Texas Police Academy.