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Incident
Deputy Bill Rutherford succumbed to injuries received when his patrol car was struck by a drunk driver on State Road 200 near the entrance of Central Florida Community College at 12:30 am.
Deputy Rutherford was traveling westbound when the driver crossed the center line and hit him head-on. He was transported to Munroe Regional Medical Center, where he died that afternoon.
The drunk driver was also killed in the crash. The driver's passenger was treated and released.
Deputy Rutherford had served with the Marion County Sheriff's Office for three years.
The US 441 between Country Road 475 and County Road 328 was renamed Deputy William Hamilton Rutherford.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife
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 Rutherford gave the Marion County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Ocala community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Rutherford.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Marion County Sheriff's Office has lost 8 officers; 8 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.3% of the 1,006 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, 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 1990, 1 officer at Marion County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 7 years on record. The heaviest was 1955, with 2.
In 1990, 9 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1990, 88 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 71st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1990, 104 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 59th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 23. Of the 6 killed feloniously at Marion County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 30.8 and 41.3; the middle age was 37.5. William had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 23. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36. William had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
William was 23. 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 23. 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
January holds 12.5% of these deaths at Marion County Sheriff's Office; May holds the most, 25%. Tuesdays: 12.5%.
January holds 9.7% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Tuesdays: 14.9%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 8 deaths at Marion County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.3% of all 1,006 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 7.5% 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 automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Marion County Sheriff's Office has 8 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 38-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Marion County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
