Sergeant Donald C. Benson Sr.
Lancaster County Sheriff's Office
Virginia
End of Watch: Thursday, November 5, 1981

Biographical Info
Age: 34
Tour of Duty: 8 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Thursday, November 5, 1981
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Committed

Sergeant Benson was shot and killed as he and another deputy attempted to serve a court order for an emergency mental health evaluation. As the two deputies approached the suspect's home, the man opened the door and fired a small caliber handgun, fatally wounding Sergeant Benson.

The other deputy returned fire and wounded the suspect in the abdomen. The man was taken into custody and committed to a state hospital.

Sergeant Benson had served with the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office for 8 years. He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.