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Traffic Officer William Clarence Dodge | King City Police Department, California
King City Police Department, California

Traffic Officer

William Clarence Dodge

King City Police Department, California

End of Watch: Saturday, October 2, 1926

Biographical Info

Age: 26
Tour of Duty: 1 year, 5 months
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Vehicle pursuit
Date of Incident: October 2, 1926
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Not available

Traffic Officer William Dodge was killed in a motorcycle accident while pursuing a traffic violator.

Officer Dodge was on patrol and began chasing a speeding vehicle on the city's main street, Broadway, which also served as US Hwy 101. A vehicle driven by a local woman did not see Officer Dodge and turned in front of him causing a collision. He died a short time later at the local hospital.

There is no record of prosecution; it was ruled an accident.

Officer Dodge had served with the agency for nearly one and half years. He was survived by his wife and son, who was born the day after Officer Dodge died, brother, and two sisters.

In June 1997, a flag pole and plaque were dedicated to Officer Dodge's memory with his son and 99-year-old widow were in attendance. They presented Officer Dodge's badge to the department and it is now on display in the lobby of the King City Police Department.