Dallas County Sheriff's Department, Texas
End of Watch Wednesday, September 26, 1923
Add to My HeroesWillis Glover Champion
Deputy Sheriff Willis Champion was shot and killed as two prisoners, one of them a convicted cop-killer, attempted to escape from the jail at 8:00 p.m.
The two prisoners smuggled in two pistols and ammunition. When Deputy Champion approached them, they beat him and shot him in the back and knee. A jail orderly had come up the elevator, and when the men threatened to shoot him if he did not help, he quickly went back down the elevator and summoned reinforcements. Responding officers engaged in a shootout, killing one of the prisoners who was awaiting a death sentence.
Deputy Champion succumbed to his to his injuries at Baylor Hospital.
The other prisoner was executed. He was serving 40 years for killing Deputy Thomas Woods on December 21, 1922.
Deputy Champion had served in law enforcement for 16 years. He was survived by his wife, son, and grandchildren.
Bio
- Age 45
- Tour 16 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Executed in
Most Recent Reflection
View all 7 ReflectionsDeputy Champion,
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 Dallas County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
September 26, 2023
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