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Incident
Deputy Sheriff William Givens was killed when his patrol car was struck by a drunk driver on Missouri 59 just north of Lanagan. A 33-year-old deputy riding with Deputy Givens was seriously injured when the drunk driver crossed the center line and struck their patrol car head-on. The 26-year-old driver who caused the collision was charged with manslaughter, vehicular injury, and driving while intoxicated. Deputy Givens had served with the McDonald County Sheriff's Office for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
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 Givens gave the McDonald County Sheriff's Office 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Pineville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Givens.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
McDonald County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 527 officers killed feloniously in MO, 63.6% of the 829 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 1984, 1 officer in MO was killed feloniously, the 106th heaviest of 146 years on record. The heaviest was 1920, with 16.
In 1984, 91 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1984, 104 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 59th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 63. Of the 477 killed feloniously in MO whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. William had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 63. 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 63. 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
February holds 8.9% of these deaths in MO; December holds the most, 11%. Saturdays: 16.5%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at McDonald County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.6% of all 829 deaths in MO, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.3% 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 automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
McDonald County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 25-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from McDonald County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
