Emmet County Sheriff's Department, Michigan
End of Watch Wednesday, September 5, 1923
Add to My HeroesWill S. Purple
Sheriff Will S. Purple was shot and killed while attempting to serve a court order at a residence near Wequetonsing Golf Course.
In the course of his duties, Sheriff Purple was serving a court order to seize personal property belonging to the suspect. The suspect became angered by this action and entered his house, emerging with a shotgun. He proceeded to open fire on Sheriff Purple, fatally wounding the officer. Sheriff Purple was able to return fire, hitting the assailant four times before succumbing to his wounds.
The suspect died from his wounds ten days later.
Sheriff Purple had served with the Emmet County Sheriff's Department for 10 years. He was survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age 54
- Tour 10 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 6 ReflectionsSheriff Purple,
On today, the 100th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Emmet County.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
September 5, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths
![Segus R. Jolivette](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27106/c_2024_jolivette.jpg)
Senior Corporal Segus R. Jolivette
Lafayette Police Department, LA
EOW: July 25, 2024
![Mohamed Said](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27101/police-officer-mohamed-said.jpg)
Corporal Mohamed Said
Melvindale Police Department, MI
EOW: July 21, 2024
![Edgar Ordonez](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27100/c_edgar-ordonez.jpg)
Probationary Police Officer Edgar Ordonez
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: July 10, 2024
![Robert William Sumner](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27096/c_robert-sumner.png)
Corporal Robert William Sumner
Oklahoma Department of Corrections, OK
EOW: July 14, 2024
![Matthew Bowen](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27095/police-officer-matthew-bowen.jpg)
Police Officer Matthew Bowen
Vacaville Police Department, CA
EOW: July 11, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fernando Esqueda
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: July 11, 2024
![Kevin Linn Palmer](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27091/c_k._palmer.jpg)
Assistant Chief Kevin Linn Palmer
North Richland Hills Police Department, TX
EOW: May 1, 2024
![Jamieson Ritter](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27085/police-officer-jamieson-ritter.jpg)
Police Officer Jamieson Ritter
Cleveland Division of Police, OH
EOW: July 4, 2024
![William Butler, Jr.](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27084/c_butler-bill.jpg)
Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr.
Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office, MI
EOW: June 27, 2024