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Incident
Police Officer William Putnam suffered a fatal heart attack several hours after struggling with an armed suspect at a domestic disturbance call at 616 West Gilford Road.
Officer Putnam had served with the Caro Police Department for 18 years and had previously served with the Tuscola County Sheriff's Office.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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.
Police Officer Putnam gave the Caro Police Department 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the Caro community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Putnam.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
William is the only officer of Caro Police Department remembered here.
William is one of 39 officers lost to cardiac events in MI, 5.5% of the 703 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 1961, 1 officer in MI was lost to cardiac events, the 6th heaviest of 34 years on record. The heaviest was 1947, with 2.
In 1961, 12 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 49th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1961, 12 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 49th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
William was 51. Of the 37 lost to cardiac events in MI whose age is recorded, half were between 46 and 54; the middle age was 49. William had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 17 years.
William was 51. 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 had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
William was 51. 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. William had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
December holds 12.8% of these deaths in MI; May holds the most, 15.4%. Mondays: 15.4%.
December holds 8.5% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Mondays: 12.9%.
December holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Mondays: 13%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Caro Police Department. The weapon recorded was person, in 100% of these deaths.
Cardiac deaths account for 5.5% of all 703 deaths in MI, the 3rd most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 23.1% of these deaths.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 16.1% of these deaths.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 16% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 62-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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