Lee County Sheriff's Office, Illinois
End of Watch Monday, May 9, 1977
Add to My HeroesRichard Bert Fordham, Sr.
Correctional Officer Richard Fordham was beaten and strangled to death after being overpowered by two inmates at the old Lee County Law Enforcement Center at 122 W. Third Street in Dixon.
Both inmates were convicted of his murder and sentenced to 40 to 100 years in prison. One died in prison in December of 2011. The other inmate, who has been denied parole several times, was granted parole in 2012.
Correctional Officer Fordham was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the Lee County Sheriff's Office for only eight months. He is survived by his wife and five children.
Bio
- Age 39
- Tour 8 months
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Assault
- Weapon Person
- Offender Sentenced to 40-60 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 34 ReflectionsOfficer Fordham,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Navy. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Fair Winds And Following Seas
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
June 9, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths
Senior Corporal Segus R. Jolivette
Lafayette Police Department, LA
EOW: July 25, 2024
Corporal Mohamed Said
Melvindale Police Department, MI
EOW: July 21, 2024
Probationary Police Officer Edgar Ordonez
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: July 10, 2024
Corporal Robert William Sumner
Oklahoma Department of Corrections, OK
EOW: July 14, 2024
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
Assistant Chief Kevin Linn Palmer
North Richland Hills Police Department, TX
EOW: May 1, 2024
Police Officer Jamieson Ritter
Cleveland Division of Police, OH
EOW: July 4, 2024
Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr.
Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office, MI
EOW: June 27, 2024