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Incident
Private Joseph Williams and Private Charles Craven, of the Pennsylvania Highway Patrol, were struck and killed by a vehicle while performing vehicle inspections on U.S. Route 30 near Gettysburg at approximately 11:50 P.M. While both officers were out of their patrol vehicle, another vehicle struck them both. Both officers were taken to Annie M. Warner Hospital. Private Williams was pronounced dead on arrival and Private Craven succumbed to his injuries three days later. Private Williams had been with the agency for only six months and was survived by his mother. He is buried in Sylvan Heights Cemetery, North Union Township, Fayette County.
Survivors
Private Williams had been with the agency for only six months and was survived by his mother.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Private Williams served with the Pennsylvania Motor Police.
Thank you for your service to the Harrisburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Private Williams.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Pennsylvania Motor Police has lost 9 officers; 6 of them lost to accidents.
Joseph is one of 417 officers lost to accidents in PA, 33% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Joseph 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 1938, 2 officers at Pennsylvania Motor Police were lost to accidents, more than in any other year.
In 1938, 7 officers in PA were lost to accidents, the 11th heaviest of 133 years on record. The heaviest was 1932, with 14.
In 1938, 89 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 15th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1938, 100 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 21st heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Joseph was 26. Of the 6 lost to accidents at Pennsylvania Motor Police whose age is recorded, half were between 24 and 29.8; the middle age was 25. Joseph had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 2.4 years.
Joseph was 26. Of the 412 lost to accidents in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48.3; the middle age was 38. Joseph had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 8.6 years.
Joseph was 26. 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. Joseph had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Joseph was 26. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Joseph had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 50% of these deaths at Pennsylvania Motor Police, more than any other month. Saturdays: 33.3%.
October holds 10.6% of these deaths in PA, more than any other month. Saturdays: 14.1%.
October holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
October holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 66.7% of all 9 deaths at Pennsylvania Motor Police, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 33% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Pennsylvania Motor Police has 9 officers remembered here, Joseph among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 36-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Pennsylvania Motor Police are honored on badge.nw.
