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Incident
Deputy Sheriff W. Calvin Dotson was shot and killed as he and two Princeton police officers surprised three men who had just burglarized a jewelry store on Mercer Street in downtown Princeton. Deputy Dotson had just gotten off duty and was being driven home by the officers when they were notified of the burglary. They located the three suspects several blocks away and became engaged in a shootout. Deputy Dotson was fatally wounded. All three men, including two who were brothers, were taken into custody after two of them were wounded. The shooter was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. The other two subjects were convicted of burglary and sentenced to 10 years in prison. The oldest brother was paroled on May 2, 1956. Three months later, he murdered his wife and was returned to prison for life. Deputy Dotson had served as a jailer with the Mercer County Sheriff's Office for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
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.
Deputy Sheriff Dotson gave the Mercer County Sheriff's Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Princeton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Dotson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Mercer County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 169 officers killed feloniously in WV, 72.8% of the 232 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1950, 1 officer in WV was killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 79 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
In 1950, 66 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1950, 66 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 57. Of the 147 killed feloniously in WV whose age is recorded, half were between 31.5 and 47.5; the middle age was 39. William had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 4.5 years.
William was 57. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 57. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 14.2% of these deaths in WV, more than any other month. Fridays: 14.2%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Mercer County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 72.8% of all 232 deaths in WV, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 25.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Mercer County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 62-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Mercer County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.