Incident
Deputy Paul was injured when he and Deputy Alfred Pearson were attempting to apprehend a man suspected of auto theft. They were escorting the suspect to the station when he stopped his motorcycle, came to the officer's car and asked for pliers to work on his motorcycle. As Deputy Paul was getting the pliers, the suspect shot them both, killing Deputy Alfred Pearson instantly. Deputy Paul died from his injuries three days later. The suspect was an escapee from the Correctional Institute for Men in Chino, California and was later killed by an Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper after a lengthy foot chase when he pulled a sawed-off shotgun on the trooper.
Survivors
Deputy Paul was survived by his wife and two sons.
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.
Deputy Sheriff Paul served with the Garvin County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Pauls Valley community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Paul.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Garvin County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 403 officers killed feloniously in OK, 69.2% of the 582 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 1947, 5 officers in OK were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 15.
In 1947, 86 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 74th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1947, 87 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 78th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
February holds 7.7% of these deaths in OK; June holds the most, 11.4%. Saturdays: 16.1%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Garvin County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.2% of all 582 deaths in OK, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 16.6% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Garvin County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 49-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Garvin County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.