Incident
Sheriff William Dunlap was shot and killed while attempting to stop two robbery suspects in a stolen car. The two suspects engaged Sheriff Dunlap and other officers in a running gun battle through Albany, Oregon, and Sheriff Dunlap was mortally wounded. The two suspects were also wounded and were taken into custody by other officers. Sheriff Dunlap's killer was convicted of murder and hanged on January 4, 1924. Sheriff Dunlap had served with the Linn County Sheriff's Office for 11 months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, mother, and four sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OR-2EAD36C9- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew William. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Dunlap served with the Linn County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Albany community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Dunlap.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sheriff William James Dunlap 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 OR, 115 of 197 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 58.4% of this state's fallen. That is 4.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Linn County Sheriff's Office, 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 James Dunlap's cause is highlighted.
How William James Dunlap Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 1924
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William James Dunlap is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William James Dunlap was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Linn County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
