Prev
Incident
Chief Garland drowned when a bridge over the Red River, collapsed during a period of heavy flooding.
The chief had noticed that a number of people were on the bridge watching the rising flood waters. As he went onto the bridge to warn them to get off, the bridge was struck by timber from a railroad bridge that had collapsed upstream.
The impact of the timber caused the bridge to collapse. Chief Garland and six citizens were thrown into the river and drowned as a result.
Chief Garland had served with the agency for 15 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and eight children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpy7vhzxzqm7110b76p8- 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.
Chief of Police Garland gave the Burkburnett Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Burkburnett community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Garland.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
William is the only officer of Burkburnett Police Department remembered here.
William is one of 657 officers lost to accidents in TX, 27.1% of the 2,422 remembered there.
William is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1935, 11 officers in TX were lost to accidents, the 5th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1994, with 14.
In 1935, 99 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 8th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1935, 107 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 9th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
William was 64. Of the 626 lost to accidents in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 46; the middle age was 36. William had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
William was 64. 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 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 64. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. William had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 10% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 11.7%. Saturdays: 18%.
May holds 8.6% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
May holds 8.4% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Burkburnett Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 27.1% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, 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 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 45-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Burkburnett Police Department are honored on badge.nw.