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Incident
Marshal William Hodge was shot and killed when he attempted to take a gun from an intoxicated citizen. The drunken man had dropped some money and a Smith & Wesson .32-caliber revolver from his pocket. Marshal Hodge approached the man and stated, ''I want that revolver you've got.'' The man picked up the revolver and without a word shot Marshal Hodge, striking him just above the groin on his left side. Marshal Hodge did not fall but dealt the suspect a blow over the head with his club and rushed at him. Marshal Hodge died the next day from his wound. The suspect pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 33 years in prison. Marshal Hodge had served with the Pontiac Police Department for one year.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three daughters and two sons.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
136 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
City Marshal Hodge gave the Pontiac Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Pontiac community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Pontiac Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
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, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1890, 1 officer in IL was killed feloniously, the 123rd heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1890, 65 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 113th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1890, 66 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 39. 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 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 39. 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 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 39. 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 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 10.3% of these deaths in IL, more than any other month. Saturdays: 15.8%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Pontiac Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% 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 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Pontiac Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 34-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Pontiac Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
