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Incident
Deputy William Cox and Deputy John Gardener were shot while attempting to arrest two brothers for robbery. During the arrest the suspects opened fire, fatally wounding Deputy Gardener on the scene. Deputy Cox suffered severe wounds and remained paralyzed until his death two years later. The suspects fled the scene but were arrested six years later in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
Deputy Cox had been deputized that day for the arrest.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and child.
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
139 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy Sheriff Cox served with the Dubois County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Jasper community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Dubois County Sheriff's Department has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 310 officers killed feloniously in IN, 61.6% of the 503 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 1887, 2 officers in IN were killed feloniously, the 49th heaviest of 122 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 9.
In 1887, 42 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 146th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1887, 47 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 145th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 35. Of the 299 killed feloniously in IN whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
William was 35. 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 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 35. 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 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 7.1% of these deaths in IN; January holds the most, 11%. Mondays: 12.6%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Dubois County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 66.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.6% of all 503 deaths in IN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 26.8% 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
Dubois County Sheriff's Department has 4 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 27-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Dubois County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
