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Incident
Patrolman August Mayford was shot and killed after being abducted while making his rounds. When Patrolman Mayford failed to check in, officers began to search for him. His body was found in an Edwardsville cornfield on Halloween, 15 days later. He had been badly beaten and shot in the back eight times while lying on the ground. The suspects, who were part of a robbery crew, confessed to the crime years later. Around midnight on October 16, Patrolman Mayford had interrupted a night of intended burglaries that included a jewelry store, warehouse, and the American Express office at 4 Front Street. When Patrolman Mayford confronted the three men, the suspects beat him, knocked him unconscious, drove him to the cornfield, and shot him multiple times in the back to prevent their apprehension. The three assailants were serving sentences for unrelated robberies when they confessed. One suspect died before he could be tried. Another was sentenced to 15 years in prison for Patrolman Mayford's murder. Patrolman Mayford had served with the Alton Police Department for 18 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Mayford gave the Alton Police Department 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the Alton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Mayford.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Alton Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
August is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
August is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
August is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1937, 3 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 87th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1937, 123 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 41st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1937, 123 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 48th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
August was 66. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. August had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
August was 66. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. August had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
August was 66. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. August had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 8.2% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Saturdays: 15.8%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Alton Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 30.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Alton Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, August among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Alton Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
