Sergeant William Joseph Rutledge

Medal of Honor - Sergeant William Joseph Rutledge

ID Number 150

December 26, 1937 to May 14, 1969

Sergeant William Rutledge was employed with Riverside Sheriff’s Office for seven and a half years. He was hired on October 18, 1961, and assigned to the Indio Station. In November 1965, he was reclassified to Investigator and in June 1967, was promoted to Sergeant and transferred to the Indio Jail.

Sergeant Rutledge began his career in law enforcement by attending the Riverside Sheriff’s 19th Basic Academy. He was hired by Riverside County Sheriff and did not work for any other law enforcement agency.

Death

On May 14, 1969, Investigator William Carter and Sergeant Rutledge were traveling from Blythe to Indio after working during the morning hours in Blythe. Both men apparently dozed off. The patrol unit they were traveling in smashed into the rear end of a truck and killed Sergeant Rutledge instantly. Investigator Carter died six days later.

Sergeant Rutledge was survived by his wife and three children. He was also survived by his parents and one brother. Sergeant Rutledge was born in Enid, Oklahoma.