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Charles Jeffery Williams
Incident
Patrol Officer Charles Williams was shot and killed as he and his partner attempted to stop a suspect wanted for armed robbery. As the suspect began walking away from Officer Williams, he began firing, striking Officer Williams in the head. Officer Williams' partner returned fire at the suspect as he fled on foot from the scene. The suspect was later apprehended. The 22-year-old suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to 100 to 150 years in prison. Officer Williams had served with the Rockford Police Department for 2-½ years. He was survived by his wife, a two year old, and another child six months old. He was a Vietnam War Veteran.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, a two year old, and another child six months old.
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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrol Officer Williams gave the Rockford Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Rockford community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Charles Jeffery Williams served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Rockford Police Department has lost 8 officers; 7 of them killed feloniously.
Charles is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Charles is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Charles 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 1972, 1 officer at Rockford Police Department was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 6 years on record. The heaviest was 1927, with 2.
In 1972, 5 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 54th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1972, 142 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 28th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1972, 160 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Charles was 28. Of the 7 killed feloniously at Rockford Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 28.5 and 37; the middle age was 30. Charles had served 2.5 years; the middle length of service was 2.5 years.
Charles was 28. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 2.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 28. 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. Charles had served 2.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 28. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 2.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 14.3% of these deaths at Rockford Police Department; October holds the most, 14.3%. Thursdays: 28.6%.
June holds 9% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Thursdays: 15%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 87.5% of all 8 deaths at Rockford Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 57.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 28.5% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Rockford Police Department has 8 officers remembered here, Charles among them.
Military Service
Charles Jeffery Williams served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit Charles Jeffery Williams’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 53-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Rockford Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
