Deputy Sheriff William Ezra Stiltner

Deputy Sheriff William Ezra Stiltner | Buchanan County Sheriff's Office, Virginia
Buchanan County Sheriff's Office, Virginia
Deputy Sheriff William Ezra Stiltner

Buchanan County Sheriff's Office, Virginia

End of Watch Sunday, March 13, 2011

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William Ezra Stiltner

Deputies William Stiltner and Cameron Justus were shot and killed after responding to assist other deputies who had been fired at by a sniper at the scene of a larceny in progress call.

Two deputies from the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office responded to the call at a car service business in Vansant. When they arrived, they began to search for the suspect when they were shot at from a distance by a suspect with a rifle. Both deputies were able to radio for assistance and crawl to a nearby home and took cover from the sniper.

Deputies Stiltner and Justus, along with members of the Virginia State Police responded to assist. As a perimeter was established to contain and search for the shooter, Deputies Justus and Stiltner were shot and killed by a high-powered rifle.

The suspect fled from a nearby ridge where he had fired from into the woods. He was located standing in front of a nearby house talking on a mobile phone. The suspect was shot and killed after he refused orders to get on the ground and then he drew a handgun on officers.

Deputy Stiltner had served with the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office for seven years. He is survived by his wife, two children, and two grandchildren.

Bio

  • Age 46
  • Tour 7 years
  • Badge 21

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Rifle
  • Offender Shot and killed

officer assistance, sniper

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Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:

“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]

[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]

And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry

January 12, 2024

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