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
Most Recent Reflection
View all 33 ReflectionsThank for your service to our country and for your service to Dixon, IL. I never got to meet you as my father in law but you are constantly on my mind. Thank you for raising the man that became my husband so well with lessons taught. On your birthday and the anniversary of your death I stand with him to remember you, and all you did. Thank you again, Bert.
Debby Fordham
Daughter In Law
May 10, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths
Deputy Sheriff Caleb Conley
Scott County Sheriff's Office, KY
EOW: May 22, 2023
Sergeant Michael Kunovich
St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: May 19, 2023
Deputy Sheriff Brett Harris
Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: May 13, 2023
Sergeant Joshua Lee Clouse
Cameron Police Department, TX
EOW: May 11, 2023
Port Police Officer Kimberly Sickafoose
Alabama Port Authority Police, AL
EOW: May 11, 2023
Police Officer Aréanah M. Preston
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: May 6, 2023
Detective Jacob Beu
Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, TN
EOW: May 7, 2023
Police Officer Robert Shisler
Deptford Township Police Department, NJ
EOW: May 7, 2023
Deputy Sheriff Kaitie Leising
St. Croix County Sheriff's Office, WI
EOW: May 6, 2023