Prev
Incident
Patrolman William Johnson succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained 13 years earlier while attempting to arrest a man on a drunken rampage.
After the man grabbed a shotgun and threatened to clean up the town, the man's brother alerted Patrolman Johnson to the threats. Patrolman Johnson located the man but was immediately shot twice. The first blast struck him in the legs. The man then shot him in the abdomen at close range, causing a severe wound.
Patrolman Johnson never fully recovered from the wounds and died as a result of complications on July 19, 1923.
Patrolman Johnson was survived by his wife.
Survivors
Patrolman Johnson was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtq3fycdq4a8wt113sf8d- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew William. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Johnson served with the Ashland Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Ashland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Johnson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Ashland Police Department has lost 6 officers; 6 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 1923, 1 officer at Ashland Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1923, 21 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1923, 199 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1923, 200 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 64. Of the 6 killed feloniously at Ashland Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 40.5 and 60.3; the middle age was 47.
William was 64. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
William was 64. 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 64. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
July holds 33.3% of these deaths at Ashland Police Department, more than any other month. Thursdays: 16.7%.
July holds 9.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Thursdays: 13%.
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 100% of all 6 deaths at Ashland Police Department. The weapon recorded was shotgun, 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 shotgun, in 8.2% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Ashland Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Ashland Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
