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Incident
Deputy Sheriff William Dorsey was shot and killed while attempting to arrest two men for creating a disturbance at the Gainesville Cotton Mills.
The two men were leaving as he arrived at the mills and he attempted to follow them. A struggle ensued in which one of the men shot Deputy Dorsey in the stomach. He was taken to a local hospital where he died two hours later.
The two subjects were arrested and charged with Deputy Dorsey's murder. One was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. The second was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 20 years.
Deputy Dorsey was survived by his wife and six children.
Survivors
Deputy Dorsey was survived by his wife and six children.
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.
Deputy Sheriff Dorsey served with the Hall County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Gainesville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Dorsey.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Hall County Sheriff's Office has lost 7 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 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, 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 1920, 10 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
In 1920, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1920, 396 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 42. Of the 481 killed feloniously in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38.
William was 42. 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.
William was 42. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
February holds 9.1% of these deaths in GA; December holds the most, 10.6%. Thursdays: 12%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 28.6% of all 7 deaths at Hall County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.7% of all 905 deaths in GA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% 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 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Hall County Sheriff's Office has 7 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 64-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Hall County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
