Lieutenant William Oscar McMurtray, III

Lieutenant William Oscar McMurtray, III

Burke County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina

End of Watch Monday, October 11, 2021

Add to My Heroes

William Oscar McMurtray, III

Lieutenant Mac McMurtray died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty.

Lieutenant McMurtray was a United States Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Burke County Sheriff's Office for 13 years. He is survived by his wife and three daughters.


The Effects of COVID on Law Enforcement

Beginning in early 2020, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the country began to contract COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic. Due to the nature of their job, law enforcement officers were required to work and interact with the community even as the majority of the country was self-quarantined. As a result, hundreds of officers died from COVID-related illnesses and other complications.

Corrections agencies, in particular, suffered tremendous losses due to the constant and close proximity between the corrections officers and large inmate populations. Since March 2020, ODMP has verified that over 900 law enforcement officers have died as the result of a confirmed or presumed exposure while on duty and continues to work with hundreds of other agencies that have suffered a COVID-related death.

Visit ODMP's COVID-19 memorial listing every officer who has died as a result of a confirmed or presumed exposure.

Bio

  • Age 48
  • Tour 13 years
  • Badge 160
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause COVID19
  • Incident Date Friday, August 27, 2021

COVID-19, communicable disease

Most Recent Reflection

View all 37 Reflections

Sheriff Brad Swain, along with the deputies & staff of MCSO, offer our heartfelt sympathy to your entire department and to the family of your fallen Officer, Lt. William McMurtray.
May the outpouring of support and encouragement you receive from agencies both near and far, provide you with peace and comfort at this difficult time.

Liane Johnson, #53-66
Monroe County Sheriff's Office
Indiana
U.S.A.

December 8, 2021

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