Lake County Sheriff's Department, Indiana
End of Watch Tuesday, January 25, 1994
Add to My HeroesWilliam G. Paterson
Sergeant William Paterson was killed in an automobile crash during a high-speed chase. The suspect's car broadsided Sergeant Paterson's patrol car at U.S. 30 and Randolph Street as it was being pursued westbound into Lake County from Porter County.
One of the three juvenile suspects in the other vehicle was also killed. The three juveniles were escapees from Starke County and were driving a stolen vehicle.
Sergeant Paterson was a United States Air Force Reserve and Lake Michigan Coast Guard Reserve Operation Desert Storm veteran and had served with the Lake County Sheriff's Department for 18 years. He was survived by his wife, son, two daughters, two stepsons, mother, and brother. One of his sons currently serves as a commander with the department.
Bio
- Age 44
- Tour 18 years
- Badge 236
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicle pursuit
- Weapon Automobile
- Offender Not available
Most Recent Reflection
View all 21 ReflectionsSgt. Paterson,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the USCG -especially during the 1991 Gulf War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Semper Paratus!
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
January 25, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Jeremy R. Labonte
Roswell Police Department, GA
EOW: February 7, 2025

Officer Jason Roscow
North Las Vegas Police Department, NV
EOW: February 4, 2025

Major Jeffrey A. Burke
New Jersey State Police, NJ
EOW: December 31, 2024

Corporal Dennis Francis Kelly
Delaware State Police, DE
EOW: December 21, 2024

Officer Baldino Morales-Sánchez
Mayagüez Municipal Police Department, PR
EOW: January 25, 2025

Border Patrol Agent David Christopher Maland
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: January 20, 2025

Sergeant Mark Butler
Navasota Police Department, TX
EOW: January 15, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Jesus Vargas
Brazoria County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: January 15, 2025

Police Officer II Colton Dale Pulsipher
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, NV
EOW: December 12, 2024