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Incident
Chief of Police William Leftwich suffered a fatal heart attack while assisting at the scene of an accident on Illinois 84 in front of the Henry County Bank. He began directing traffic around the crash when he complained of chest pains and collapsed. He was transported to a local hospital where he passed away. Chief Leftwich had served with the Colona Police Department for 21 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his two daughters, son, grandchild, and two brothers.
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
21 years. You could have gone home.
Chief of Police Leftwich gave the Colona Police Department 21 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Colona community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Leftwich.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Colona Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to cardiac events.
William is one of 45 officers lost to cardiac events in IL, 3.4% of the 1,318 remembered there.
William is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1985, 2 officers in IL were lost to cardiac events, the 3rd heaviest of 33 years on record. The heaviest was 1974, with 3.
In 1985, 11 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 54th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1985, 11 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 54th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
William was 51. Of the 45 lost to cardiac events in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 54; the middle age was 51. William had served 21 years; the middle length of service was 20 years.
William was 51. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. William had served 21 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
William was 51. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. William had served 21 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
June holds 4.4% of these deaths in IL; March holds the most, 15.6%. Thursdays: 17.8%.
June holds 7.2% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Thursdays: 14.5%.
June holds 7.3% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Thursdays: 14.5%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Colona Police Department, the most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.4% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
His people
Colona Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 61-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Colona Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
