Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Bill Benton was shot and killed when he and another officer responded to a pool hall after receiving reports of a man with a concealed weapon. When the officers attempted to grab the man, he drew a .32 caliber pistol and shot Patrolman Benton below the heart. The other officer was able to arrest the 39-year-old suspect. Patrolman Benton had served with the Winter Garden Police Department for only six months but had previous law enforcement experience.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, five children, and two brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-FL-9833B3AF- 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 Benton served with the Winter Garden Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Winter Garden community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Benton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman William Benton 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 FL, 539 of 1,008 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53.5% of this state's fallen. That is 0.7 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Winter Garden Police 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. William Benton's cause is highlighted.
How William Benton Compares
Offender Outcome
Apprehended
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Benton is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Benton was killed by handgun; .32 caliber.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Winter Garden Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
