DeWitt Township Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch Wednesday, November 4, 2020
Add to My HeroesWilliam J. Darnell
Sergeant Bill Darnell died as the result of complications after contracting COVID-19 while on duty.
In 2008 Sergeant Darnell was ambushed and shot point-blank in the face during a domestic disturbance call. Despite his wounds, Sergeant Darnell was able to fight back and killed his attacker. As a result of his courage, Sergeant Darnell was presented with one of the nation's Top Cop awards by President Barack Obama in 2009.
Sergeant Darnell had served with the DeWitt Township Police Department for 20 years. He is survived by his wife and three children.
Beginning in early 2020, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the country contracted COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic due to requirements of their job. Many of these first responders have died as a result of COVID-19, and continue to do so as the virus spreads across the United States.
Bio
- Age 52
- Tour 20 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause COVID19
- Incident Date Friday, October 23, 2020
Most Recent Reflection
View all 47 ReflectionsMy condolences go out to your family, friends and the members of the DeWitt Township Police Department during this most difficult time.
Rest In Peace my Brother in BLUE.
Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Officer Janet Sanchez
F.O.P member Yuma Lodge #24
Yuma Police Department
December 7, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Thomas Patrick Barnes
Jefferson Davis County Sheriff's Department, MS
EOW: April 10, 2021

Sergeant James Smith
Iowa State Patrol, IA
EOW: April 9, 2021

Police Officer Brent Nelson Hall
Newton Grove Police Department, NC
EOW: April 3, 2021

Deputy Sheriff Christopher Wilson Knight
Bibb County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: April 6, 2021

Chief of Police Fred Alan Posavetz
Clinton Township Police Department, MI
EOW: March 22, 2021

Corrections Officer Luis Arturo Hernandez, Sr.
Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, TX
EOW: March 31, 2021

Lieutenant James Kouski
Hometown Police Department, IL
EOW: April 3, 2021

Police Officer William Evans
United States Capitol Police, US
EOW: April 2, 2021

Sergeant Shane Owens
Broward County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: March 27, 2021