Oklahoma City Lake Patrol, Oklahoma
End of Watch Friday, May 17, 1974
Add to My HeroesWilliam L. Stewart, Jr.
Lake Ranger William Stewart drowned while attempting to retrieve his patrol boat, which had been blown away from the shore of an island in Lake Hefner.
Officers had received a call stating that the ranger's boat was discovered beached on the northeastern shore of the lake, with its motor still running. A search of the island revealed his duty belt, boots, and hat on the island, approximately one-half mile from where his boat was discovered. Investigators believed that he was conducting a routine check of the island when his boat was set adrift due to extremely high winds. They believed that he drowned in the churning water when he attempted to swim out to the boat to retrieve it.
Ranger Stewart had served with the Oklahoma City Lake Patrol for approximately one year. He was survived by his wife and son.
Bio
- Age 26
- Tour 1 year
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Drowned
Most Recent Reflection
View all 12 ReflectionsThank you all for honoring him over the years
John Stewart
Son of William L. Stewart
October 25, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths

Lieutenant Allen "Noochie" Credeur
Rayne Police Department, LA
EOW: May 5, 2025

Special Deputy Sheriff Larry Henderson, Jr.
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, OH
EOW: May 2, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Brandon Ray Sikes
Columbia County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: April 26, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Jesse Perez
Dawson County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 22, 2025

Captain Helio Armando Garcia, III
South Fulton Police Department, GA
EOW: April 16, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Melissa Pollard
Wood County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 9, 2025

Deputy Sheriff William May
Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 2, 2025

Police Officer Osmar Rodarte
Marysville Police Department, CA
EOW: March 26, 2025

Sergeant Grant J. Candies
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: March 23, 2025