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Incident
Deputy William Naylor was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man who had just murdered a teenage boy at a nearby home in West Hickman.
The subject had gone to the home to speak to the boy's father over a dispute over a half pint of liquor. When the father came to the door they exchanged words and the man immediately pulled out a revolver and starting firing at the father. None of the rounds hit the father, but one struck the boy in the abdomen and a second struck the boy's mother in the arm.
The man then left the scene and robbed several people as he fled. When Deputy Naylor learned of the murder he deputized an acquaintance and immediately set out to locate the man.
Upon locating him near the railroad tracks, Deputy Naylor approached him from behind and grabbed his right arm, with which he was holding the revolver. The man immediately spun around and fatally shot Deputy Naylor in the neck. The deputized citizen and the man then exchanged shots and the suspect was fatally shot four times.
Deputy Naylor had served with the Fulton County Sheriff's Office for approximately one year. He had previously served as a county judge for eight years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and two sons.
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
You barely got started.
Deputy Sheriff Naylor gave the Fulton County Sheriff's Office 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Hickman community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Naylor.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Fulton County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 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, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1915, 5 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 48th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1915, 152 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1915, 157 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 29th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 47. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. William had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 4 years.
William was 47. 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 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 47. 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 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 7.8% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Thursdays: 13%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Fulton County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.5% 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 handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.4% of these deaths.
His people
Fulton County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 47-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Fulton County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
