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Incident
Chief of Police William Kittrell was shot and killed while he and one of his officers attempted to arrest a woman during a domestic dispute. The woman and her father, who was trying to get her out of town, were at the local train depot when the officers attempted to stop them. The father opened fire on the officers, striking Chief Kittrell in the spine. The other officer was able to return fire and kill the suspect. Chief Kittrell was survived by his wife, four daughters, and an unborn son. He was the first Gainesville officer to be killed in the line of duty.
Survivors
Chief Kittrell was survived by his wife, four daughters, and an unborn son.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
136 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Chief of Police Kittrell served with the Gainesville Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Gainesville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Gainesville Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 remembered there.
William is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1890, 4 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
In 1890, 65 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 113th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1890, 66 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 35. Of the 481 killed feloniously in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38.
William was 35. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
William was 35. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
December holds 10.6% of these deaths in GA, more than any other month. Thursdays: 12%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Gainesville Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.7% of all 905 deaths in GA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Gainesville Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 1-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Gainesville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
