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Incident
Deputy Sheriff William Farra was shot and killed by a suspect who had just murdered his mother at their home near Gettysburg, Franklin Township. He and the sheriff had gone to the house to serve a lunacy warrant on a man. When they arrived the man shot his mother and threatened the officers. The sheriff returned to town to obtain help and to retrieve a firearm. Deputy Farra was left behind to guard the house to ensure the man didn't leave. The subject confronted Deputy Farra and shot him five times, killing him. He then drove to a neighbor's home and shot the couple before committing suicide. The female neighbor that he shot later died of her wounds. Deputy Farra had served with the Darke County Sheriff's Office for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two sons.
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 Farra gave the Darke County Sheriff's Office 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Greenville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Farra.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
William is the only officer of Darke County Sheriff's Office remembered here.
William is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 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 1909, 3 officers in OH were killed feloniously, the 57th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1909, 99 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 52nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1909, 103 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 53. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
William was 53. 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 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 53. 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 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 6.8% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 9.6%. Mondays: 14.5%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Darke County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 31.6% 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.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 38-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Darke County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.