Roll of Honor
Incident
Warden William Willard stabbed to death by an inmate at the Wethersfield State Prison.
It was the custom of Warden Willard to walk through the prison every other Sunday and listen to the complaints of the inmates. During his walk-through Warden Willard was called over to the cell of one inmate to read a note. The note said, "To Mr. Capt. Willard, please read the other side." When Warden Willard turned the note over, the inmate pushed a cane with a knife stuck to the end through the bars and stabbed Warden Willard in the stomach. While struggling to get the knife away from the inmate, Warden Willard was more seriously injured. He died three hours later from the wounds.
The inmate, who was serving 16 years for burglary, killed Warden Willard so that he could be transferred to the city jail, which was easier to escape from, while on trial for the murder. The inmate had been unable to escape from the state prison and felt he would have a better chance of escape at the city jail.
The suspect was convicted of murder and executed on October 13th, 1871, at the Hartford County Jail.
The Willard Building of the Willard-Cybulski Correctional Facility in Enfield, Connecticut, is named for Warden Willard.
It was the custom of Warden Willard to walk through the prison every other Sunday and listen to the complaints of the inmates. During his walk-through Warden Willard was called over to the cell of one inmate to read a note. The note said, "To Mr. Capt. Willard, please read the other side." When Warden Willard turned the note over, the inmate pushed a cane with a knife stuck to the end through the bars and stabbed Warden Willard in the stomach. While struggling to get the knife away from the inmate, Warden Willard was more seriously injured. He died three hours later from the wounds.
Warden Willard, it has been 154 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your years of law enforcement service.
Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall Georges Mills, NH August 14th, 2024
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-CT-0522AA4F- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
156 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Warden Willard served with the Connecticut Department of Correction.
Thank you for your service to the Wethersfield community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Warden William Willard is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In CT, 74 of 169 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 43.8% of this state's fallen. That is 43.8 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Connecticut Department of Correction, 5 of 5 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. William Willard's cause is highlighted.
How William Willard Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Willard is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Willard was killed by edged weapon; knife.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Connecticut Department of Correction are honored on badge.nw.
