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Incident
Deputy Sheriff William Goff was shot and killed on as he and a city marshal conducted a raid at a service station to search for large quantities of liquor. Upon arrival, the owner of the service station was seized and taken to a room to be searched. During the search, he pulled out a gun and began shooting. About a dozen shots were fired between the man and the officers, ending with Deputy Goff being fatally struck below his right eye. The suspect was struck four times seriously wounded. He was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to five years in prison. Deputy Sheriff Goff had served with the Hempstead County Sheriff's Office for two years and previously served several years with the Hope Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and a 4-year-old son.
In Our Keeping
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- 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 Goff gave the Hempstead County Sheriff's Office 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Hope community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Goff.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
William is the only officer of Hempstead County Sheriff's Office remembered here.
William is one of 249 officers killed feloniously in AR, 66.9% of the 372 remembered there.
William is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1926, 7 officers in AR were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 106 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 8.
In 1926, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1926, 209 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 35. Of the 214 killed feloniously in AR whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 42. William had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
William was 35. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 35. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 5.6% of these deaths in AR; April holds the most, 10.8%. Fridays: 13.3%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Hempstead County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 66.9% of all 372 deaths in AR, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.9% 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 51.7% of all 34,102 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 57-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Hempstead County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.