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Incident
Detention Deputy William Green was shot and killed by an inmate who was attempting to escape from the county jail.
On October 18th, the suspect, who was in jail for burglarizing the Elks Club and other businesses, had a visit form his wife. When Deputy Green was taking the suspect back to his cell he produced a handgun, which was smuggled by his wife in a basket of food.
The suspect shot Deputy Green during the escape; Deputy Green died shortly after of his injuries. The suspect fled the jail and was later located by Sheriff F. E. Britt in a barn on 12th Street. Sheriff Britt found the suspect after stepping on his hand while he hid in a hay stack. The suspect was then taken into custody, and eventually had to be moved to El Paso County jail after a lynch mob had formed with the intent of hanging him.
The suspect was originally sentenced to death but the sentenced was commuted to life in prison by Colorado Governor Oliver Shoup. The suspect died two years later, to the day, in the Colorado State Penitentiary located in Canon City; the cause of his death is not known at this time.
Deputy Green had served with the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office for 25 years and had retired, working for the county as Jailer at the time of his death.
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
25 years. You could have gone home.
Detention Deputy Green gave the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office 25 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Pueblo community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detention Deputy Green.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Pueblo County Sheriff's Office has lost 5 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 236 officers killed feloniously in CO, 65.4% of the 361 remembered there.
William is one of 15,741 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.2% of the 27,543 remembered there.
William is one of 17,629 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,910 remembered here.
33,910 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1918, 4 officers in CO were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 113 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 9.
In 1918, 165 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1918, 169 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 61. Of the 184 killed feloniously in CO whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 39. William had served 25 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
William was 61. Of the 14,215 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 25 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 61. Of the 15,849 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 25 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 11.9% of these deaths in CO, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 13.6%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 40% of all 5 deaths at Pueblo County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 65.4% of all 361 deaths in CO, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 27.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.2% of all 27,543 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,910 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Pueblo County Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 20-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Pueblo County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
