Over a century ago, a tragedy struck the King County Sheriff's Office when Deputy John Williams was fatally wounded in the line of duty. The Sheriff's Office took to social media to commemorate the 122nd anniversary of his passing, remembering Williams' sacrifice. As the post details, Williams died on March 18, 1903, as a result of complications from a gunshot wound he suffered while on an operation to capture an escaped convict.

The incident that led to Deputy Williams' injury and subsequent death occurred almost a year prior, in July 1902. Williams was part of a setup for an ambush roadblock designed to recapture a fugitive—a convict from the Oregon State Penitentiary. This escapee wasn't just fleeing custody; he had a violent streak, being responsible for the deaths of six individuals during his prison break. The King County Sheriff's social media post described, "His valor and service will forever be honored." – signaling a deep respect for the fallen officer whose end of watch was more than a century ago.

Deputy Williams' story is a stark reminder of the perpetual risks law enforcement officers face in their line of work, risks that have transcended time, and technological advancements in policing. The King County Sheriff's recognition of Williams' dedication to duty offers a moment of reflection for both the sheriff’s office and the community, acknowledging the courage it takes to stand in defense of public safety.