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United States > Washington > Island County Sheriff's Department > Deputy Sheriff William Joseph Heffernan

Deputy Sheriff

William Joseph Heffernan

Island County Sheriff's Department, Washington

End of Watch: Saturday, November 14, 1987

Bio & Incident Details

Age: 45

Tour: Not available

Badge # 317

Military veteran

Cause: Gunfire

Incident Date: 11/14/1987

Weapon: Handgun

Suspect: Sentenced to life

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Deputy William Heffernan and Deputy John Saxerud were shot and killed by a man they had arrested for drunk driving. As they took the man into the processing area of the jail the man pulled out a concealed handgun and shot them both, killing them almost instantly.

The suspect was convicted of two counts of aggravated first degree murder and sentenced to two life terms.

Deputy Heffernan had previously served with the United States Navy. He was survived by his two children.

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Related Line of Duty Deaths

Deputy Sheriff John Robert Saxerud Island County Sheriff's Department, Washington End of Watch: Saturday, November 14, 1987 Cause: Gunfire

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