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Incident
Sergeant Walter Powell succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained four months earlier when he was shot by a prisoner inside of the city jail.
The prisoner's wife had smuggled a handgun to him during a visit. The man then called Sergeant Powell over to the cell and shot him after the door was opened. He escaped from the jail but was recaptured several weeks later.
The man was sentenced to five years in prison for assault with intent to kill and escape prior to Sergeant Powell's death.
Sergeant Powell was survived by his wife and adopted daughter.
Survivors
Sergeant Powell was survived by his wife and adopted daughter.
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.
Sergeant Powell served with the Oil City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Oil City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Powell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Walter is the only officer of Oil City Police Department remembered here.
Walter is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Walter is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Walter is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1928, 7 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1928, 201 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 13th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1928, 202 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Walter was 39. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
Walter was 39. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Walter was 39. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Wednesdays: 15.4%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Oil City Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, 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 handgun, in 27.3% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 61-W
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