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Incident
Deputy Sheriff William Ezell was accidentally shot and killed while attempting to load a machine gun after several officers encountered members of the Dillinger Gang.
Two patrol officers had encountered four members of the gang parked in front of a drug store. The gang members held the two officers at gunpoint, using a machine gun, and ordered them back into their car before they fled. The two officers alerted the department, and Deputy Ezell and a detective were attempting to load their newly purchased machine gun to join the chase when it discharged. Deputy Ezell was struck in the chest with a .45 caliber round.
Deputy Ezell succumbed to his wound three days later at St. Thomas Hospital.
Deputy Ezell had served with the Davidson County Sheriff's Office for four years.
Survivors
Survivors include his wife, two sons, six brothers, and three sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Deputy Sheriff Ezell gave the Davidson County Sheriff's Office 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Nashville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Ezell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Davidson County Sheriff's Office has lost 8 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
William is one of 191 officers lost to accidents in TN, 24.8% of the 769 remembered there.
William is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
William is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1934, 4 officers in TN were lost to accidents, the 4th heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 2000, with 6.
In 1934, 91 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 12th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1934, 101 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 18th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
William was 50. Of the 183 lost to accidents in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 30.5 and 49; the middle age was 38. William had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
William was 50. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. William had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 50. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. William had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in TN; September holds the most, 11.5%. Saturdays: 16.8%.
April holds 7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
April holds 7% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 25% of all 8 deaths at Davidson County Sheriff's Office, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 24.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Davidson County Sheriff's Office has 8 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Davidson County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
