Newnan’s police force was sometimes supplemented by what were called “supernumeraries,” who were called in when extra help was needed or someone was vacationing.

The keeper of the vacationing Chief Askew’s diary today reported on one such man who had been in a “very bad accident” the night before and “had the misfortune to loose (sic) one foot.” He was resting “very comfortable” that morning at the Newnan Hospital.

This was no ordinary accident. It rated a front-page story in the Newnan Herald later that week.

“Quick Action Saves Life of Alvin Hyde in Strange Accident” read the headline in the Aug. 15 Herald.

The story attributed his survival to the quick response of railroad employees, a local doctor and an ambulance service after Hyde fell under a passenger train.

“Mr. Hyde is said

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