Prev
Incident
Sergeant Godwin was killed in an accident while responding to a call involving a disgruntled employee with a gun. This call was the second time officers had been dispatched to the scene. While en route, another vehicle pulled in front of him, and his Range Rover police vehicle rolled over, killing him. His canine partner, Gray, survived the accident. Sergeant Godwin had served with the Morrisville Police Department for 9 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, 8-month-old daughter, mother, and brother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpvq1a1p2f3f693f145a- 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sergeant Godwin gave the Morrisville Police Department 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Morrisville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Godwin.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
William is the only officer of Morrisville Police Department remembered here.
William is one of 205 officers lost to accidents in NC, 30.9% of the 664 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 1997, 1 officer in NC was lost to accidents, the 51st heaviest of 90 years on record. The heaviest was 2018, with 7.
In 1997, 73 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 38th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1997, 85 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 47th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
William was 32. Of the 194 lost to accidents in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 46; the middle age was 35. William had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 5.4 years.
William was 32. 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 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 32. 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 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 7.3% of these deaths in NC; September holds the most, 12.7%. Thursdays: 15.6%.
May holds 8.6% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
May holds 8.4% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Thursdays: 14.2%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Morrisville Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 30.9% of all 664 deaths in NC, 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.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 55-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Morrisville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.