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Incident
Sergeant Bill Morris was shot and killed while responding to a call involving two juveniles trying to steal a vehicle on County Road 25A north of State Route 571 in Tipp City. Sergeant Morris responded to a call of two teenagers, one armed with a rifle, trying to steal a car. Sergeant Morris, driving an unmarked vehicle, found the boys and ordered them to get on the ground at gunpoint. The 15-year-old took off running while the 16-year-old raised an M1 Carbine above his head, claiming it was unloaded, then lowered the rifle and fired on Sergeant Morris, who used his cruiser to shield himself. Sergeant Morris and the suspect circled the cruiser, each firing until Sergeant Morris was hit and knocked into a ditch. The 16-year-old shooter then jumped into the cruiser and drove a short distance before backing up and firing two more rounds into Sergeant Morris as he lay in the ditch. He then drove a short distance and hid in a barn, where he later committed suicide with the same rifle after being surrounded by other officers. Sergeant Morris had served with the Miami County Sheriff's Office for 22 years. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and three sons. He is buried at Miami Memorial Park. West State Route 55 from the City of Troy west corporation to State Route 48 was renamed the Sheriff Sergeant William "Bill" Morris Memorial Highway.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and three 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
22 years. You could have gone home.
Sergeant Morris gave the Miami County Sheriff's Office 22 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Troy community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Morris.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Miami County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
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, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1972, 8 officers in OH were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1972, 142 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 28th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1972, 160 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 42. 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 22 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
William was 42. 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 22 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 42. 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 22 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%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Miami County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 24.7% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Miami County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 55-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Miami County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
