Incident
Officer Garr was shot and killed by a man whom he had arrested. The man, who was sentenced to prison, held Officer Garr responsible for a prison sentence that he felt was unjustified. When released, the man opened a saloon and accused Officer Garr of harrassing him and his customers. The man located Officer Garr and the two exchanged words before the man produced a gun and shot Officer Garr four times. The suspect was convicted of Officer Garr's murder and sentenced to life in prison. He was pardoned on November 4, 1917. On June 4, 1918, he was arrested for stealing a car in Joplin, Missouri, and sent to prison. In September of 1924 he was arrested again after he and four other men engaged in a gun battle with several officers in Coffeyville, Kansas, after they were caught stealing a car. One officer was shot and wounded. Citizens old enough to remember said the shootout was a lot like one on October 5, 1892, when citizens shot it out with the Dalton Gang as they attempted to rob two banks at the same time.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpet0ghj727ers7x9ava- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Will. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Garr served with the Caney Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Caney community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Garr.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Caney Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Will is one of 237 officers killed feloniously in KS, 70.7% of the 335 remembered there.
Will is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Will 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 1908, 3 officers in KS were killed feloniously, the 17th heaviest of 112 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 8.
In 1908, 129 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1908, 129 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
April holds 7.6% of these deaths in KS; July holds the most, 11.4%. Tuesdays: 15.6%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Caney Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 70.7% of all 335 deaths in KS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.4% 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
Caney Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Will among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 11-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Caney Police Department are honored on badge.nw.