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Incident
Chief of Police William Fancil was shot and killed when he surprised three subjects at about 2:20 am as they were attempting to burglarize the soft drink bottle shed at Big John's Supermarket. Chief Fancil was beginning to search two of the men when a third suspect came out and began firing. Chief Fancil emptied his revolver, wounding two of the three burglars and was struck by return gunfire from one of the suspects. Chief Fancil was transported to Crawford Memorial Hospital in Robinson where he died from his wounds. The gunman was convicted of murder and burglary and sentenced to 60 to 87 years in prison. The second suspect pleaded guilty to murder and burglary and was sentenced to 16 to 40 years. The third suspect was convicted of burglary. Chief Fancil had served with the Oblong Police Department for 10 months and had previously served as a deputy sheriff.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, two young sons, parents, four brothers, and four sisters.
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.
Chief of Police Fancil gave the Oblong Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Oblong community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Fancil.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
William is the only officer of Oblong Police Department remembered here.
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 1970, 12 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
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 25. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. William had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 25. 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 had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 25. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 9% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Mondays: 14.4%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Oblong Police Department. 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.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 43-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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