Roll of Honor
Incident
Sheriff Cecil Crawford was shot and killed as he and two other officers attempted to take custody of a man for a sanity hearing in his father's home. The man led the sheriff and a deputy upstairs, where he opened fire on them, killing Sheriff Crawford instantly. He then jumped from a window and ran into a wooded area, and was captured a short time later. The suspect was declared insane and committed to a mental institution. In July of 1949, he was found to be sane and charged with Sheriff Crawford's murder. He was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 20 years in prison on November 7, 1949. He died on October 7, 1956. Sheriff Crawford was serving his third term as Sheriff of Page County Sheriff's Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IA-3B299623- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Cecil. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Crawford gave the Page County Sheriff's Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Clarinda community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Crawford.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sheriff Cecil M. Crawford is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In IA, 129 of 226 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.1% of this state's fallen. That is 2.9 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Page County Sheriff's Department, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Cecil M. Crawford's cause is highlighted.
How Cecil M. Crawford Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 20 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Cecil M. Crawford is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Cecil M. Crawford was killed by handgun; .22 caliber.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Page County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
