Prev
Incident
Sheriff William Tainter drowned while traveling through the county, conducting investigations, and collecting taxes. He was attempting to cross Elk Creek by horse when he was washed into the sea. His body was recovered the following day. Sheriff Tainter had served with the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office for 2 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpsagmbxkbf0bs5dh3v3- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew William. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
163 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Sheriff Tainter gave the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Ukiah community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Mendocino County Sheriff's Office has lost 5 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
William is one of 720 officers lost to accidents in CA, 39.2% of the 1,839 remembered there.
William is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1863, 1 officer in CA was lost to accidents, the 116th heaviest of 128 years on record. The heaviest was 1969, with 14.
In 1863, 3 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 150th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1863, 10 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 152nd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
William was 31. Of the 690 lost to accidents in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 42.8; the middle age was 35. William had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
William was 31. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. William had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 31. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. William had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 8.6% of these deaths in CA; August holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 13.9%.
October holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 15.1%.
October holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Fridays: 15%.
How
Accident deaths account for 20% of all 5 deaths at Mendocino County Sheriff's Office, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 39.2% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Mendocino County Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 38-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Mendocino County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
