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Incident
Auxiliary Policeman William Graves was shot and killed after responding to the scene of a parole violator who was shooting at officers with an Enfield rifle. The suspect had shot and wounded four other officers. The round that struck Auxiliary Policeman Graves had gone through the arm of another officer. The suspect was finally shot and killed by a state trooper.
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.
Auxiliary Policeman Graves served with the Sparta Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Sparta community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Auxiliary Policeman Graves.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
William is the only officer of Sparta 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 1976, 7 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1976, 137 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1976, 162 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 42. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38.
William was 42. 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 was 42. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
December holds 8.9% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Thursdays: 15%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Sparta Police Department. The weapon recorded was rifle, 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 rifle, in 3.2% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 13-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
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