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Incident
Patrolman Bill Benton was shot and killed when he and another officer responded to a pool hall after receiving reports of a man with a concealed weapon. When the officers attempted to grab the man, he drew a .32 caliber pistol and shot Patrolman Benton below the heart. The other officer was able to arrest the 39-year-old suspect. Patrolman Benton had served with the Winter Garden Police Department for only six months but had previous law enforcement experience.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, five children, and two brothers.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Patrolman Benton served with the Winter Garden Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Winter Garden community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Benton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Winter Garden Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 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 1942, 3 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 67th heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1942, 82 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 79th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1942, 120 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 49th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 36. 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 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
William was 36. 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 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 36. 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 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 9.7% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Saturdays: 20.1%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Winter Garden Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.3% of all 1,006 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 19% 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, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Winter Garden Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 41-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Winter Garden Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
