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Incident
Deputy William Doster and Lieutenant James Waters were shot and killed while serving a warrant to a local farmer. The deputies, and a third deputy, had gone to the location and served the warrant. The suspect paid the fine on the spot and was issued a bond receipt. As the deputies returned to the patrol car the suspect stepped back out of his house and opened fire on them with a 12-gauge shotgun. Lieutenant Waters and Deputy Doster were both killed. The third deputy was seriously wounded. The suspect drove to the Rock Hill Police Department where he turned himself in. He was convicted of both murders and sentenced to life. He died in prison while serving his sentence. Deputy Doster had only served with the agency for 2 weeks.
Survivors
He was survived by his daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
NW-QZ6H-Q803-1earlier record number BO-US-SC-D37DBD05- Stewardship
- 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.
Deputy Sheriff Doster served with the Chester County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Chester community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Doster.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Chester County Sheriff's Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 272 officers killed feloniously in SC, 61.5% of the 442 remembered there.
William is one of 15,741 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.2% of the 27,543 remembered there.
William is one of 17,629 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,910 remembered here.
33,910 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1970, 5 officers in SC were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 119 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 7.
In 1970, 138 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 29th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1970, 142 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 33. Of the 243 killed feloniously in SC whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 5.3 years.
William was 33. Of the 14,215 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 33. Of the 15,849 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 9.9% of these deaths in SC; July holds the most, 10.7%. Saturdays: 17.3%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Chester County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.5% of all 442 deaths in SC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 11.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.2% of all 27,543 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,910 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Chester County Sheriff's Department has 3 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 44-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Chester County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
