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William Hershall Garvey
Incident
Special Agent William Garvey was killed in an automobile accident on Highway 126 while returning to Los Angeles from an assignment in San Luis Obispo. His state-issued vehicle left the roadway near Ventura and struck a large tree.
Agent Garvey had served with the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement for 18 years, and had served a total of 31 years in law enforcement. He had previously served with the Kings County, California, Sheriff's Department, the Douglas, Wyoming, Police Department, and the Rock Springs, Wyoming, Police Department.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, daughter, and two grandchildren.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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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
31 years. You could have gone home.
Special Agent Supervisor Garvey gave the California Department of Justice 31 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Sacramento community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Agent Supervisor Garvey.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
California Department of Justice has lost 7 officers; 4 of them lost to accidents.
William is one of 720 officers lost to accidents in CA, 39.2% of the 1,839 remembered there.
William is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2005, 9 officers in CA were lost to accidents, the 15th heaviest of 128 years on record. The heaviest was 1969, with 14.
In 2005, 71 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 44th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2005, 87 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 43rd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
William was 56. Of the 690 lost to accidents in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 42.8; the middle age was 35. William had served 31 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
William was 56. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. William had served 31 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 56. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. William had served 31 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 8.9% of these deaths in CA; August holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 13.1%.
September holds 9.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 57.1% of all 7 deaths at California Department of Justice, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 39.2% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
California Department of Justice has 7 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 52-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from California Department of Justice are honored on badge.nw.
