Deputy Sheriff William Goericke

Deputy Sheriff William Goericke was shot and killed while on a decoy assignment. Deputy Goericke and another deputy were assigned to act as decoys in an area plagued by nighttime robberies along a lonely stretch of highway. As they were driving down the highway, another car approached them. The occupants of the other car stopped and got out and flagged down the deputies car. As the deputies stopped, the suspects identified themselves as police officers and ordered the deputies out of their car.

As Deputy Goericke and his partner got out of their car, they drew their weapons. A gun battle ensued and Deputy Goericke was wounded. The gun battle continued and Deputy Goericke was able to shoot and kill his assailant. Deputy Goericke died at the scene soon after.