Clarence J. Bridwell served in the U.S. Navy.
Deputy Sheriff Clarence Bridwell was struck and killed by a vehicle while attempting to remove a fallen tree from the Crystal Lake-McHenry Blacktop near the intersection with Pleasant Hill Road. He had parked his patrol car with its emergency lights activated across the southbound lane to warn approaching traffic of the closure at 12:05 am. An approaching vehicle struck Deputy Bridwell and the patrol car. Deputy Bridwell's body dragged 70-feet and pinned beneath the car that struck him. The 17-year-old driver was charged with failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. Deputy Bridwell had retired from the U.S. Navy after 21 years of service. He had served with the McHenry County Sheriff's Office for 14 months.
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In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Deputy Sheriff Bridwell gave the McHenry County Sheriff's Office 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Woodstock community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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