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Incident
Patrolman William Vaughn was shot and killed as he and another officer arrested a man involved in an altercation with a woman. The officers were walking the man out of a hotel when the man pulled out a .22-caliber pistol and shot each officer once, killing Patrolman Vaughn. The suspect was then shot and killed by the wounded officer. Patrolman Vaughn had served with the Centralia Police Department for three years.
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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.
Patrolman Vaughn gave the Centralia Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Centralia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Vaughn.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
William is the only officer of Centralia Police Department remembered here.
William is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 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 1946, 6 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1946, 91 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1946, 93 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 67th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 65. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. William had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 65. 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 had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 65. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 10.3% of these deaths in IL, more than any other month. Mondays: 14.4%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Centralia Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 28.5% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 1-W
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