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Incident
Deputy Sheriff William Ellis and Deputy Sheriff George Dillon were shot and killed while attempting to arrest several military deserters between Breeden and Dingess, West Virginia.
The subject who shot them turned himself in 18 months later and was sentenced to life in prison.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Ellis served with the Mingo County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Williamson community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Ellis.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Mingo County Sheriff's Department has lost 5 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 169 officers killed feloniously in WV, 72.8% of the 232 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1918, 2 officers in WV were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 79 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
In 1918, 165 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1918, 169 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
August holds 14.2% of these deaths in WV, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 17.2%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 80% of all 5 deaths at Mingo County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 72.8% of all 232 deaths in WV, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 25.4% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Mingo County Sheriff's Department has 5 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 18-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Mingo County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
