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Incident
Sheriff London was shot and killed while he and two deputies attempted to arrest a man at the man's home. The suspect opened fire on the officers with a shotgun, fatally wounding Sheriff London. The other two deputies returned fire, killing the suspect.
Survivors
Sheriff London had been with the agency for 13 years and was survived by his wife, four sons, two daughters, seven grandchildren and five siblings.
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.
Sheriff London gave the St. Francois County Sheriff's Office 13 years.
Thank you for your service to the Farmington community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff London.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
St. Francois County Sheriff's Department has lost 5 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 527 officers killed feloniously in MO, 63.6% of the 829 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 1929, 6 officers in MO were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 146 years on record. The heaviest was 1920, with 16.
In 1929, 205 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1929, 206 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 56. Of the 477 killed feloniously in MO whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. William had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 56. 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 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 56. 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 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 7.2% of these deaths in MO; December holds the most, 11%. Tuesdays: 14.6%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 80% of all 5 deaths at St. Francois County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.6% of all 829 deaths in MO, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 5.7% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
St. Francois County Sheriff's Department has 5 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 7-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from St. Francois County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
