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Incident
Sheriff Donald Davis was killed while attempting to serve a warrant on a saloon owner from Westernport, Maryland. Sheriff Davis had gone to Piedmont that day to meet with a prohibition officer about another matter. After the meeting, Sheriff David was standing on Main Street when he saw the saloon keeper drive by. He jumped on the running board of the subject's car and attempted to place the driver under arrest. The subject immediately sped up and fled toward the bridge from Piedmont, West Virginia, to Westernport, Maryland. Sheriff Davis tried to shut the car off but the subject sped up even faster. The man lost control of his vehicle and it hit the right side curb of the bridge just over the state line in Maryland. It then skidded into the left side, striking the bridge structure. Sheriff Davis was caught between the wrecked car and the bridge structure, crushing his legs and hips. He was taken to a nearby doctor's office where he remained conscious until several minutes before he died. Prior to passing away, he gave the warrant to the prohibition officer, saying "there are the papers, get Pete." The subject's car was demolished, however the man suffered only minor injuries. He fled across the bridge into Maryland, leaving his two children, one of whom was badly injured, behind. The subject, who had previously made threats against Sheriff Davis, was arrested some time later and taken to the jail in Cumberland, Maryland. Sheriff Davis had been elected the previous fall, and was in his first year as sheriff.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and 2-year-old daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Davis served with the Mineral County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Keyser community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Davis.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Mineral County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Donald is one of 169 officers killed feloniously in WV, 72.8% of the 232 remembered there.
Donald is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Donald is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1917, 3 officers in WV were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 79 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
In 1917, 165 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1917, 169 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Donald was 30. Of the 147 killed feloniously in WV whose age is recorded, half were between 31.5 and 47.5; the middle age was 39. Donald had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 4.5 years.
Donald was 30. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Donald had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Donald was 30. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Donald had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 8.3% of these deaths in WV; August holds the most, 14.2%. Wednesdays: 17.2%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Mineral County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 72.8% of all 232 deaths in WV, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 2.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Mineral County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Donald among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 3-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Mineral County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
