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Incident
Policeman William Wilhelm was shot and killed at the intersection of Clinton Street and Madison Street (Catfish Alley) while attempting to arrest a man on a warrant.
He and several other officers located the man and informed him he was under arrest for breach of the peace. The man protested and demanded to go across the street. As one of other officers grabbed his arm the subject produced a .38 caliber revolver and shot Policeman Wilhelm several times. The man was then subdued by the other officers.
Policeman Wilhelm was taken to Kings Daughters Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.
The subject, who had stolen the revolver from the commissioner of the Kentucky Game and Fish Commission, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. He was paroled October 12, 1951.
Policeman Wilhelm was a WWI veteran and had served with the Frankfort Police Department for 10 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two stepchildren, brother, and two sisters.
In Our Keeping
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- 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Policeman Wilhelm gave the Frankfort Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Frankfort community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
William H. Wilhelm Jr. served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Frankfort Police Department has lost 4 officers; 3 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 15,743 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 1931, 20 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1931, 221 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1931, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 43. 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 10 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
William was 43. 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 had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 43. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 8.6% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Mondays: 13.4%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Frankfort Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 1.6% 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 handgun; .38 caliber, in 0.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 0.7% of these deaths.
His people
Frankfort Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Military Service
William H. Wilhelm Jr. served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit William H. Wilhelm Jr.’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Frankfort Police Department are honored on badge.nw.