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William Lamar Polk Sr.
Incident
Investigator Bill Polk suffered a fatal heart attack while raiding a still in Holmes County, Mississippi, with three other agents. He and another agent were dropped off to walk through the woods towards the still while the other two agents drove up to the farmhouse. When the agents arrived at the farmhouse they arrested one suspect. When Investigator Polk arrived at the farmhouse on foot he complained of chest pains. He was immediately taken to a local doctor's office in Lexington where he passed away. His body was returned to Jackson, Mississippi, for burial.
Survivors
Investigator Polk was survived by his wife, son, two daughters, mother, three brothers, and five sisters.
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.
Investigator Polk served with the United States Department of the Treasury.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Investigator Polk.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
United States Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service - Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division has lost 15 officers; 5 of them lost to cardiac events.
William is one of 71 officers lost to cardiac events in DC, 5% of the 1,419 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 1953, 3 officers at United States Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service - Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division were lost to cardiac events, more than in any other year.
In 1953, 3 officers in DC were lost to cardiac events, more than in any other year.
In 1953, 10 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 61st heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1953, 10 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 61st heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
William was 47. Of the 5 lost to cardiac events at United States Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service - Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division whose age is recorded, half were between 37 and 54; the middle age was 47.
William was 47. Of the 69 lost to cardiac events in DC whose age is recorded, half were between 41 and 51; the middle age was 46.
William was 47. 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 was 47. 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.
When
June holds 20% of these deaths at United States Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service - Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division; October holds the most, 20%. Sundays: 20%.
June holds 7% of these deaths in DC; May holds the most, 12.7%. Sundays: 14.1%.
June holds 7.2% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Sundays: 13.9%.
June holds 7.3% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Sundays: 13.9%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 33.3% of all 15 deaths at United States Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service - Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division, the 2nd most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 5% of all 1,419 deaths in DC, 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
United States Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service - Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division has 15 officers remembered here, William among them.
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William Lamar Polk, Sr. Jun 28, 1953
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Donald Oscar McDonald
Aug 24, 1953
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William Dennis Crane
Sep 12, 1953
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William Henry Stuart
Mar 23, 1954
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William Leroy Shields Apr 13, 1954
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William John Sheehan
Jun 2, 1955
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Lawrence Edgar Davis Jan 17, 1956
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Julian Sangster Majors
Oct 17, 1957
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James Truett Smith
Nov 22, 1959
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Eugene Wilder Campbell Sep 8, 1960
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Julius Buchter Feb 2, 1961
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Joe Brooks Cooper
Oct 25, 1963
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Ralph Ackerman Holt
Oct 25, 1963
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Douglas Flanigen Denney
Jan 20, 1964
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Vernon David Rogers
Sep 8, 1965
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 49-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
14 officers from United States Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service - Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division are honored on badge.nw.
