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William Leroy Shields
Incident
Investigator William Shields was killed in an automobile crash while pursuing a bootlegging suspect in Carroll County, Georgia. The two cars were traveling along Rainey Road which intersected with Highway 101 at the Carroll County-Paulding County line. The vehicles were unable to make the turn and both crashed. Investigator Shields died from his injuries. His partner was seriously injured. Investigator Shields had served with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Unit for five years and had previously served with the Georgia Department of Revenue - Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Unit for 15 years.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
20 years. You could have gone home.
Investigator Shields gave the United States Department of the Treasury 20 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Investigator Shields.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
United States Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service - Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division has lost 15 officers; 6 of them lost to accidents.
William is one of 453 officers lost to accidents in DC, 31.9% of the 1,419 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, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1954, 1 officer at United States Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service - Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division was lost to accidents, more than in any other year.
In 1954, 5 officers in DC were lost to accidents, the 25th heaviest of 125 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 14.
In 1954, 69 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 51st heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1954, 73 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 70th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
William was 45. Of the 6 lost to accidents at United States Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service - Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division whose age is recorded, half were between 34.3 and 40.5; the middle age was 38.5. William had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 14 years.
William was 45. Of the 425 lost to accidents in DC whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
William was 45. 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 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 45. 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 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 16.7% of these deaths at United States Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service - Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division; January holds the most, 33.3%. Tuesdays: 33.3%.
April holds 5.5% of these deaths in DC; July holds the most, 10.6%. Tuesdays: 13.9%.
April holds 7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
April holds 7% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 40% of all 15 deaths at United States Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service - Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 16.7% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 31.9% of all 1,419 deaths in DC, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 3.5% 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 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
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 18-W
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.
