Cedar Rapids Police Department, Iowa
End of Watch Wednesday, January 7, 1885
Add to My HeroesWilliam B. McDaniel
Captain William McDaniel was struck and killed by a Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Northern Railway train about three-quarters of a mile north of Solon, Iowa.
He and another officer had traveled to Solon after learning that a murder suspect may have fled there. They were crossing the bridge when a freight train approached. The other officer was able to jump from the bridge without getting struck, however, Captain McDaniel was struck and thrown into the creek below.
The other officer pulled him from the creek and he was taken into town on the train. He died about 10 minutes later.
As the officer changed into dry clothes in Solon the suspect was spotted walking along the tracks and was taken into custody.
Captain McDaniel had served with the Cedar Rapids Police Department for eight years. He was survived by his wife and three children.
Bio
- Age 47
- Tour 8 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Struck by train
Most Recent Reflection
View all 9 ReflectionsCapt. McDaniel,
On today, the 140th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Cedar Rapids.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
January 7, 2025
Recent LODD Deaths

Lieutenant Allen "Noochie" Credeur
Rayne Police Department, LA
EOW: May 5, 2025

Special Deputy Sheriff Larry Henderson, Jr.
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, OH
EOW: May 2, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Brandon Ray Sikes
Columbia County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: April 26, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Jesse Perez
Dawson County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 22, 2025

Captain Helio Armando Garcia, III
South Fulton Police Department, GA
EOW: April 16, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Melissa Pollard
Wood County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 9, 2025

Deputy Sheriff William May
Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 2, 2025

Police Officer Osmar Rodarte
Marysville Police Department, CA
EOW: March 26, 2025

Sergeant Grant J. Candies
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: March 23, 2025