Roll of Honor
Incident
In 1927 the town commissioners of Williamson created a new police force after a department shakeup. Patrolman David Deerfield and Patrolman Harvey McGuire of the deposed police force were shot and killed by two new members of the new police force during a heated argument. The officers, claiming self defense, were charged with murder. They were tried and acquitted on February 2, 1928.
Survivors
Patrolman Deerfield was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-WV-EC18718F- 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.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Deerfield served with the Williamson Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Williamson community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Deerfield.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman David W. Deerfield 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 WV, 169 of 232 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 72.8% of this state's fallen. That is 18.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Williamson Police Department, 3 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 75% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. David W. Deerfield's cause is highlighted.
How David W. Deerfield Compares
Offender Outcome
Acquitted
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. David W. Deerfield is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. David W. Deerfield was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Williamson Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
