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Incident
Sheriff Will S. Purple was shot and killed while attempting to serve a court order at a residence near Wequetonsing Golf Course. In the course of his duties, Sheriff Purple was serving a court order to seize personal property belonging to the suspect. The suspect became angered by this action and entered his house, emerging with a shotgun. He proceeded to open fire on Sheriff Purple, fatally wounding the officer. Sheriff Purple was able to return fire, hitting the assailant four times before succumbing to his wounds. The suspect died from his wounds ten days later. Sheriff Purple had served with the Emmet County Sheriff's Department for 10 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Purple gave the Emmet County Sheriff's Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Petoskey community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Purple.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Will is the only officer of Emmet County Sheriff's Department remembered here.
Will is one of 415 officers killed feloniously in MI, 59% of the 703 remembered there.
Will is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Will 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 1923, 12 officers in MI were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 124 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 14.
In 1923, 199 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1923, 200 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Will was 54. Of the 400 killed feloniously in MI whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 42; the middle age was 35. Will had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Will was 54. 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. Will had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Will was 54. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Will had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 8.2% of these deaths in MI; December holds the most, 12.3%. Wednesdays: 12.3%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Emmet County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 59% of all 703 deaths in MI, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 31.8% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 53-E
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