Prev
Incident
Patrolman Billy Smelley succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained ten days earlier when a prisoner gained control of another officer's weapon inside the police station at 104 Main Street and shot both officers. Patrolman Smelley had arrested the subject for DWI and was in the process of booking him when the incident occurred. He succumbed to his wound while being transported to the hospital. The subject committed suicide outside of the police station. Patrolman Smelley had served with the Quinlan Police Department for 10 months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnbh4yz5d6e5dx6jbd7y- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Billy. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Smelley served with the Quinlan Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Quinlan community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Smelley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Billy is the only officer of Quinlan Police Department remembered here.
Billy is one of 1,462 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,423 remembered there.
Billy is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Billy is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1983, 12 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1983, 106 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 47th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1983, 128 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Billy was 45. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Billy had served 0.8 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Billy was 45. 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. Billy had served 0.8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Billy was 45. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Billy had served 0.8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 9% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Sundays: 16.2%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Quinlan Police Department. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,423 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 15-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Quinlan Police Department are honored on badge.nw.