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Incident
Sheriff William Warren was killed when his cruiser was struck head-on by a semitrailer while he was on routine patrol.
Sheriff Warren was traveling southbound on Illinois Route 142 when the semitrailer crossed the center line, striking the cruiser of Sheriff Warren, who died at the scene.
Sheriff Warren had served with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Department for 23 years, having served as sheriff for over 17 years.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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23 years. You could have gone home.
Sheriff Warren gave the Hamilton County Sheriff's Department 23 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the McLeansboro community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Warren.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Hamilton County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
William is one of 354 officers lost to accidents in IL, 26.9% of the 1,318 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 2000, 3 officers in IL were lost to accidents, the 38th heaviest of 115 years on record. The heaviest was 1927, with 11.
In 2000, 85 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 19th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2000, 91 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 36th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
William was 52. Of the 344 lost to accidents in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 45.3; the middle age was 37. William had served 23 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 52. 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 23 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 52. 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 23 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in IL; October holds the most, 11.3%. Mondays: 17.2%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Mondays: 13.4%.
July holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 13.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Hamilton County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 26.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, 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
Hamilton County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 46-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Hamilton County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
