Guard William M. Rader

Guard William M. Rader

Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, Texas

End of Watch Thursday, July 22, 1926

Add to My Heroes

William M. Rader

Guard Will Rader was shot and killed during a prison escape from Ferguson State Farm in Madison County, Texas.

Two prisoners who had previously escaped returned to the farm in an attempt to free six other inmates. When the two returned, they immediately shot and killed Guard Rader with a shotgun.

Other guards immediately came to the scene and exchanged shots with the suspects. The two prior escapees and the six inmates were able to flee the prison farm. One of the escapees who was recaptured participated in another prison escape on July 27th, 1928, in which Dog Sergeant Henry Ward was shot and killed and two Fort Bend County deputies, including Deputy Sheriff Frank Bell, were wounded.

Deputy Bell would later die in the line of duty in an automobile crash on October 10th, 1930.

The prisoner who participated in both escapes was released on April 5, 1940.

Guard Rader was a widower twice-over and was survived by his five children. He was buried at Midway Cemetery in Midway, Texas.

Bio

  • Age 55
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Shotgun
  • Offender Released in 1940

escape attempt

Most Recent Reflection

View all 10 Reflections

Thank you for your service and on days like this we remind you and your family that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 22, 2020

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.