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Incident
Patrolman William Coulter was shot and killed when he and his partner responded to a burglary in progress. As the two officers approached the residence one of two suspects fired a .32-caliber handgun through the front door, striking Patrolman Coulter in the abdomen. The suspects, a 47-year-old man and his 28-year-old son-in-law, were apprehended and convicted of murder. Both were sentenced to 14 years in prison.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Coulter served with the Litchfield Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Litchfield community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Coulter.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Litchfield Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 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 1932, 21 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1932, 210 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1932, 210 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 56. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38.
William was 56. 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 56. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
May holds 7.8% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Sundays: 15.2%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Litchfield Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 28.5% 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
Litchfield Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 47-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Litchfield Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
