Guard Urban Wilford, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Ohio

Guard Urban Wilford

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Ohio

End of Watch Wednesday, November 3, 1926

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Urban Wilford

Guard Urban Wilford was shot and killed at the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield during an escape attempt.

A former prisoner, who was out on parole, returned to the prison and shot Guard Wilford at the West Gate in an attempt to break out a friend.

The suspect was arrested two months later. He was convicted of Guard Wilford's murder and executed in the electric chair in 1927.

Guard Wilford had served with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and had previously served as a police officer in Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom, from 1876 until 1883 when he immigrated to the United States. He was survived by his wife.

Bio

Age 72
Tour 7 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Tuesday, November 2, 1926
Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
Offender Executed in 1927

escape attempt, parolee, correctional Facility

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NEVER FORGET! Honoring the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Guard Urban Wilford of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Ohio, and the additional 65 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorneys General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

November 3, 2024