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Incident
Chief of Police William Whiteman was shot and killed by one of four men while investigating the sounds of an explosion at the post office in Daisytown, Wahington County, at approximately 1:30 am.
When he arrived at the scene he was shot by the lookout. The four men ran from the scene. They attempted to blow open the post office safe using dynamite. The safe was badly damaged but remained locked.
Chief Whiteman was taken to South Side Hospital, in Pittsburgh, where he died a short time later.
Chief Whiteman was survived by his wife.
Survivors
Chief Whiteman was survived by his wife.
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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief of Police Whiteman served with the Vesta Coal Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Daisytown community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Whiteman.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
William is the only officer of Vesta Coal Police Department remembered here.
William is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
William 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 1920, 12 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1920, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1920, 396 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 50. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
William was 50. 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 50. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
January holds 6.9% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Wednesdays: 15.4%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Vesta Coal Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 4.5% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
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