Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff William Farra was shot and killed by a suspect who had just murdered his mother at their home near Gettysburg, Franklin Township. He and the sheriff had gone to the house to serve a lunacy warrant on a man. When they arrived the man shot his mother and threatened the officers. The sheriff returned to town to obtain help and to retrieve a firearm. Deputy Farra was left behind to guard the house to ensure the man didn't leave. The subject confronted Deputy Farra and shot him five times, killing him. He then drove to a neighbor's home and shot the couple before committing suicide. The female neighbor that he shot later died of her wounds. Deputy Farra had served with the Darke County Sheriff's Office for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two sons.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Deputy Sheriff Farra gave the Darke County Sheriff's Office 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Greenville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Farra.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff William H. Farra 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 OH, 572 of 991 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.7% of this state's fallen. That is 3.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William H. Farra's cause is highlighted.
How William H. Farra Compares
Offender Outcome
Committed suicide
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William H. Farra is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William H. Farra was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.