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Incident
Deputy Sheriff William Fitzgerald was shot and killed as he and another deputy transported three prisoners from the Auburn Correctional Facility to the Westchester County Courthouse in White Plains for court appearances. The three inmates were handcuffed in the rear of a sedan that had no cage. One of the inmates feigned that he had to urinate and, as they pulled off of the New York State Thruway at the Modena-Plattekill rest area, two of the inmates reached over seats with their handcuffed hands and grabbed both deputies around their necks. The third inmate reached over the seats, grabbed Deputy Fitzgerald's service revolver, and fatally shot him. The other deputy shot and killed one of the inmates and wounded the inmate who shot Deputy Fitzgerald. The prisoner who killed Deputy Fitzgerald was sentenced to death but had the sentenced reduced to life in 1972 when the death sentence was ruled unconstitutional by the United States Supreme Court. He died in prison on November 19th, 2001. The other inmate was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life. He was paroled on September 6th, 2007.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Fitzgerald served with the Westchester County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Hawthorne community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Fitzgerald.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Westchester County Sheriff's Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 739 officers killed feloniously in NY, 34.7% of the 2,132 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, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1968, 6 officers in NY were killed feloniously, the 38th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 32.
In 1968, 91 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1968, 91 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 73rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 62. Of the 671 killed feloniously in NY whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 43; the middle age was 35.
William was 62. 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 was 62. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
September holds 13.8% of these deaths in NY, more than any other month. Fridays: 14.7%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Westchester County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 34.7% of all 2,132 deaths in NY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 6.6% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Westchester County Sheriff's Department has 3 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 50-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Westchester County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
