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Incident
Patrolman William Frey was killed in a motorcycle crash while pursuing a suspected drunk driver on Howard Gap Road, just north of the city limits.
The vehicle he was pursuing swerved to the right suddenly to avoid another vehicle that was making a left turn. Patrolman Frey was unable to avoid the vehicle and collided with it.
Patrolman Frey was transported to Spartanburg General Hospital where he died one hour later.
Patrolman Frey had served with the Spartanburg Police Department for just under four years. He was survived by his wife, three children, and parents. Patrolman Frey's father also served with the Spartanburg Police Department and had been critically injured in a motorcycle crash while on duty 15 years earlier.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three children, and parents.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Frey gave the Spartanburg Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Spartanburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Frey.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Spartanburg Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
William is one of 139 officers lost to accidents in SC, 31.4% of the 442 remembered there.
William is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
William is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1942, 2 officers in SC were lost to accidents, the 19th heaviest of 71 years on record. The heaviest was 1986, with 6.
In 1942, 65 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 65th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1942, 82 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 52nd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
William was 37. Of the 120 lost to accidents in SC whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 41; the middle age was 34. William had served 3.7 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
William was 37. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. William had served 3.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 37. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. William had served 3.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 13.7% of these deaths in SC, more than any other month. Saturdays: 11.5%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Spartanburg Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 50% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 31.4% of all 442 deaths in SC, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 10.8% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
His people
Spartanburg Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Spartanburg Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
