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Incident
Deputy Sheriff William Vaughan was shot and killed while attempting to arrest two brothers who were passing counterfeit currency. As the suspects attempted to pass a counterfeit $20 bill at a local country store the owner pulled a gun from under the counter, held them at gunpoint, and called the sheriff's office. As Deputy Vaughn and the sheriff arrived, the suspects ran from the store while firing at the officers. Deputy Vaughan was killed and the sheriff was wounded.
Survivors
Deputy Vaughan was survived by his wife and seven 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Vaughan served with the Bartow County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Cartersville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Vaughan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Bartow County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 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 1928, 7 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 13th heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
In 1928, 201 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 13th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1928, 202 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 59. Of the 481 killed feloniously in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38.
William was 59. 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 was 59. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
September holds 7.8% of these deaths in GA; December holds the most, 10.6%. Thursdays: 12%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Bartow County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.7% of all 905 deaths in GA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 19.3% 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.
His people
Bartow County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 60-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Bartow County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
