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Incident
Sheriff William Posey suffered a fatal heart attack while raiding a liquor still. The still was in an area of deep woods and steep terrain.
An ambulance was summoned when he began complaining of chest pains, but because of the remote area, they could not reach him. Other officers and paramedics had to carry him on a stretcher to the waiting ambulance.
Sheriff Posey had served with the Winston County Sheriff's Office for 3 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and child.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Sheriff Posey gave the Winston County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Double Springs community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Posey.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Winston County Sheriff's Office has lost 5 officers; 1 of them lost to cardiac events.
William is one of 30 officers lost to cardiac events in AL, 4.7% of the 643 remembered there.
William is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.9% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1954, 1 officer in AL was lost to cardiac events, the 7th heaviest of 22 years on record. The heaviest was 1973, with 3.
In 1954, 9 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 68th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1954, 9 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 69th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
William was 48. Of the 29 lost to cardiac events in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 46 and 56; the middle age was 48. William had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 14 years.
William was 48. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. William had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
William was 48. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. William had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
September holds 10% of these deaths in AL; October holds the most, 20%. Tuesdays: 20%.
September holds 8.3% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Tuesdays: 13.9%.
September holds 8.3% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Tuesdays: 13.9%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 20% of all 5 deaths at Winston County Sheriff's Office, the 2nd most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 643 deaths in AL, the 3rd most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.9% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
His people
Winston County Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 10-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Winston County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
