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Incident
Night Chief Frank Williford was shot and killed after responding to a disturbance at a hotel at Washington Street and Monroe Avenue. When he arrived, he recognized the suspect as a transient he had previously dealt with. As he was walking the man from the cafe portion of the hotel to the lobby, the man suddenly turned and fired a semi-automatic pistol, striking Night Chief Williford several times. The suspect ran to his hotel room where he was later apprehended. Night Chief Williford was transported to Ouachita County Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. On April 4, 1952, the 62-year-old suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death. His sentence was later commuted to life. He died at the state sanatorium in Logan of tuberculosis on November 26, 1967.
Survivors
Night Chief Williford is survived by his wife and two young sons.
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.
Night Chief Williford served with the Camden Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Camden community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Night Chief Williford.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Camden Police Department has lost 3 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Frank is one of 249 officers killed feloniously in AR, 66.9% of the 372 remembered there.
Frank is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Frank is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1951, 2 officers in AR were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 106 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 8.
In 1951, 65 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 113th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1951, 69 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
December holds 10.4% of these deaths in AR; April holds the most, 10.8%. Saturdays: 16.9%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.3%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Camden Police Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 66.9% of all 372 deaths in AR, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.9% 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 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Camden Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Frank among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 35-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Camden Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
