Erie County Sheriff's Office, New York
End of Watch: Saturday, November 5, 1977
Age: 52
Tour of Duty: 19 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: November 5, 1977
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Deputy William Dils was shot and killed while investigating a burglary at a residence in North Collins.
He was shot once in the abdomen through a closed bedroom door. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The killer was sentenced to 25 years to life. He has a parole hearing in May of 2012.
Deputy Dils was a WWII veteran and had been employed with the Erie County Sheriff's Department for 19 years. He is survived by his wife, sons, and grandchildren.