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Incident
Patrolman William Porter was shot and killed as he and the police chief attempted to arrest a suspect who had robbed a supermarket in Louisville. Patrolman Porter and the chief located the suspect passing through LaGrange as he returned to Ohio. As their patrol pulled alongside the suspect's vehicle the man opened fire, striking Patrolman Porter in the forehead. The suspect took a family hostage before stealing their car and fleeing. He was located later that day in Frankfort, Kentucky. He was convicted of Patrolman Porter's murder and sentenced to life but only served 14 years. In November 1969, he was again arrested for armed robbery and kidnapping -- this time for a bank robbery in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was found guilty and sentenced 25 years in February 1970.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Porter served with the LaGrange Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the LaGrange community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Porter.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
LaGrange Police Department has lost 2 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 15,743 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 1955, 4 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1955, 53 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 135th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1955, 53 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 139th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 55. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
William was 55. 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 55. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
February holds 6% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Fridays: 12.4%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at LaGrange Police Department. 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 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
LaGrange Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 11-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from LaGrange Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
