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Incident
Chief of Police William Davies was killed in an automobile crash while responding to a call. He was in Harrisonburg meeting with the Commonwealth's Attorney when he was notified of an emergency in Grottoes, approximately 16 miles away. As he responded along Route 256, approximately one-half mile east of Weyers Cave, he lost control in rainy weather and struck a guard rail on the driver's side door. Chief Davies had served with the Grottoes Police Department for 13 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief of Police Davies gave the Grottoes Police Department 13 years.
Thank you for your service to the Grottoes community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Davies.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
William is the only officer of Grottoes Police Department remembered here.
William is one of 203 officers lost to accidents in VA, 31.1% of the 653 remembered there.
William is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1988, 4 officers in VA were lost to accidents, the 4th heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 1870, with 10.
In 1988, 80 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 27th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1988, 84 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 48th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
William was 52. Of the 192 lost to accidents in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 45; the middle age was 36. William had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 52. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. William had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 52. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. William had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 10.8% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 12.8%. Thursdays: 13.8%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Thursdays: 14%.
July holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Thursdays: 14.2%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Grottoes Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 31.1% of all 653 deaths in VA, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 32-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Grottoes Police Department are honored on badge.nw.