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Incident
Patrolman William Romaine was shot and killed after confronting a group of men who were creating a disturbance.
He and his partner had initially confronted the group at the intersection of S 9th Street and Caldwell Street and told them to move on.
The group moved but again started creating a disturbance one block away at S 9th and Norton Street. When Patrolman Romaine approached them a second time, one of the group became belligerent and then shot Patrolman Romaine three times, killing him. The suspect fled the scene after the shooting but was later apprehended. He was convicted of Patrolman Romain's murder and subsequently executed in June of 1919.
Patrolman Romaine had served with the Paducah Police Department for nine months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, four children, two brothers, and two sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
NW-4K7F-WGHH-Dearlier record number BO-US-KY-F98AC22B- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Romaine served with the Paducah Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Paducah community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Romaine.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Paducah Police Department has lost 5 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
William is one of 15,741 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.2% of the 27,543 remembered there.
William is one of 17,629 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,910 remembered here.
33,910 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1917, 9 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1917, 165 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1917, 169 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 35. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. William had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
William was 35. Of the 14,215 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 35. Of the 15,849 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 8.3% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Sundays: 18.7%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 40% of all 5 deaths at Paducah Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.2% of all 27,543 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,910 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Paducah Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 61-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Paducah Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
