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Incident
Patrolman William Keith succumbed to injuries sustained in a vehicle crash seven days earlier. Patrolman Keith, who had only been on the force for three days, was involved in a vehicle pursuit. Patrolman Keith's sergeant, who was riding with him at the time, was firing his service pistol and shotgun at the fleeing car. Patrolman Keith lost control of the vehicle at Southeast 74th Street and South Sunnylane Road and struck a light pole at an estimated 80 mph. Patrolman Keith was taken to a local hospital where he died one week later. The sergeant was critically injured and medically retired from the department. The driver they were pursuing was charged with manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident, and failure to stop and render aid. He was acquitted of the manslaughter charge. Patrolman Keith had served with the Del City Police Department for ten days.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three young children.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Patrolman Keith served with the Del City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Del City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Keith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
William is the only officer of Del City Police Department remembered here.
William is one of 135 officers lost to accidents in OK, 23.2% of the 582 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 1965, 1 officer in OK was lost to accidents, the 39th heaviest of 78 years on record. The heaviest was 1980, with 4.
In 1965, 56 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 83rd heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1965, 70 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 74th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
William was 26. Of the 118 lost to accidents in OK whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48.8; the middle age was 38. William had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 26. 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 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 26. 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 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 6.7% of these deaths in OK; March holds the most, 12.6%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
January holds 7.7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
January holds 8.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Del City Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 23.2% of all 582 deaths in OK, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 8.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 51-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Del City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.