Roll of Honor
Incident
Marshal William Hodge was shot and killed when he attempted to take a gun from an intoxicated citizen. The drunken man had dropped some money and a Smith & Wesson .32-caliber revolver from his pocket. Marshal Hodge approached the man and stated, ''I want that revolver you've got.'' The man picked up the revolver and without a word shot Marshal Hodge, striking him just above the groin on his left side. Marshal Hodge did not fall but dealt the suspect a blow over the head with his club and rushed at him. Marshal Hodge died the next day from his wound. The suspect pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 33 years in prison. Marshal Hodge had served with the Pontiac Police Department for one year.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three daughters and two sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-3FA244AA- 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
136 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
City Marshal Hodge gave the Pontiac Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Pontiac community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
City Marshal William H. Hodge 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 IL, 842 of 1,318 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.9% of this state's fallen. That is 9.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Pontiac 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 H. Hodge's cause is highlighted.
How William H. Hodge Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 33 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William H. Hodge is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William H. Hodge was killed by handgun; .32 caliber.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Pontiac Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
