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Incident
Supernumerary Officer William Rich suffered a fatal heart attack following a foot pursuit of an escaped prisoner. The man had escaped while being booked at the police station. Officer Rich chased and apprehended the suspect. Shortly after returning the man to a cell Officer Rich collapsed. Officer Rich had served with the Shelton Police Department for 22 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
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
22 years. You could have gone home.
Supernumerary Officer Rich gave the Shelton Police Department 22 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Shelton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Supernumerary Officer Rich.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Shelton Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them lost to cardiac events.
William is one of 14 officers lost to cardiac events in CT, 8.3% of the 169 remembered there.
William is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.9% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1964, 2 officers in CT were lost to cardiac events, more than in any other year.
In 1964, 15 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 34th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1964, 15 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 34th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
William was 59. Of the 14 lost to cardiac events in CT whose age is recorded, half were between 42.8 and 55.5; the middle age was 49.5. William had served 22 years; the middle length of service was 17 years.
William was 59. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. William had served 22 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
William was 59. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. William had served 22 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
December holds 14.3% of these deaths in CT; November holds the most, 21.4%. Sundays: 28.6%.
December holds 8.5% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Sundays: 13.9%.
December holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Sundays: 13.9%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Shelton Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 100% of these deaths.
Cardiac deaths account for 8.3% of all 169 deaths in CT, the 3rd most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 21.4% of these deaths.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 16.1% of these deaths.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.9% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 16% of these deaths.
His people
Shelton Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 11-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Shelton Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
