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Incident
Policeman William Campbell succumbed to wounds he received when he was shot and killed by a subject wanted for malicious shooting and bootlegging on April 29, 1908.
Not realizing they had located the man, the three officers engaged him in conversation. As the man began to walk away, a boy who had been accompanying the officers informed them the man was who they were looking for.
When the officers called out to the man to halt, he immediately began to run away. One of the officers fired at the man, who continued to run. When the man reached the top of the street, he turned around and shot at the officers, striking Policeman Campbell in the abdomen.
Policeman Campbell was taken to his home, where his condition worsened until he succumbed to the wound on July 2, 1908.
The shooter was able to flee and remained at large for six years. He was finally arrested in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in January 1914. He was returned to Virginia, where he was convicted of Policeman Campbell's murder and sentenced to 7 years in prison. He was killed by return fire after killing Assistant Chief Thomas Church of the Johnson City Police Department, West Virginia, in 1928.
He was survived by his wife and children.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
NW-52A2-1TVP-Tearlier record number BO-US-VA-1E3B89A8- Stewardship
- 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.
Policeman Campbell served with the Bristol Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Bristol community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Campbell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Bristol Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
William is one of 15,741 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.2% of the 27,543 remembered there.
William is one of 17,629 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,910 remembered here.
33,910 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1908, 6 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 10th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1908, 129 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1908, 129 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 34. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38.
William was 34. Of the 14,215 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
William was 34. Of the 15,849 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
July holds 9.2% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Thursdays: 16.5%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Bristol Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 1.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.2% of all 27,543 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 0.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,910 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 0.8% of these deaths.
His people
Bristol Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 40-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Bristol Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
