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Incident
Deputy William Ford suffered a fatal heart attack while struggling with subjects he had arrested. He and another deputy had just arrested the men for being intoxicated. During the arrest attempt, the two men resisted and struggled with the officers, almost choking Deputy Ford. The officers were able to subdue the subjects and placed them in the back of their patrol car. While transporting the men to the jail, the suspects began to fight with Deputy Ford across the back seat, as the cruiser was not equipped with a cage. During the struggle, Deputy Ford suffered a fatal heart attack. Deputy Ford had served with the Marengo County Sheriff's Department for eight years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- 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 Ford gave the Marengo County Sheriff's Department 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the Linden community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Ford.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Marengo County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to cardiac events.
William is one of 30 officers lost to cardiac events in AL, 4.7% of the 643 remembered there.
William is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1973, 3 officers in AL were lost to cardiac events, more than in any other year.
In 1973, 16 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 24th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1973, 16 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 24th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
William was 54. Of the 29 lost to cardiac events in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 46 and 56; the middle age was 48. William had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 14 years.
William was 54. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. William had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
William was 54. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. William had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
January holds 13.3% of these deaths in AL; October holds the most, 20%. Wednesdays: 16.7%.
January holds 9.6% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
January holds 9.5% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Marengo County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 643 deaths in AL, the 3rd most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
His people
Marengo County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 6-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Marengo County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
