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Don Richard Williams
Incident
Chief of Police Don Williams and Game Warden Eugene Sara, of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, were shot and killed after responding to a domestic disturbance call near the intersection of Haley Avenue and Spruce Street. The suspect had already shot Chief Williams and stolen his weapon. As Warden Sara and a county sheriff's deputy arrived at the scene the suspect opened fire on them, mortally wounding Warden Sara. Warden Sara and the deputy were able to return fire, killing the suspect. Warden Sara's wife was working as a dispatcher on the night of the incident and dispatched the officers on the call.
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.
Chief of Police Williams served with the Thompson Falls Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Thompson Falls community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Williams.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Don is the only officer of Thompson Falls Police Department remembered here.
Don is one of 93 officers killed feloniously in MT, 65.5% of the 142 remembered there.
Don is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Don is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1974, 2 officers in MT were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 58 years on record. The heaviest was 1935, with 6.
In 1974, 162 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1974, 178 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Don was 44. Of the 81 killed feloniously in MT whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 47; the middle age was 39.
Don was 44. 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.
Don was 44. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
January holds 5.4% of these deaths in MT; December holds the most, 15.1%. Mondays: 9.7%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Thompson Falls Police Department. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 65.5% of all 142 deaths in MT, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 6.5% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 7-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Thompson Falls Police Department are honored on badge.nw.