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Incident
Town Marshal William Freeman was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man for violating a town ordinance four months earlier.
As he attempted to make the arrest the man opened fire with a shotgun, striking Marshal Freeman in the head. He then shot and wounded another man who had accompanied Marshal Freeman.
Five years later the suspect walked into the Seminole County Jail and gave himself up. On June 2, 1906, he was convicted of murder and sentenced to 99 years. He was pardoned in 1909.
Marshal Freeman had served with the Donalsonville Police Department for approximately three months.
Survivors
He was survived by his son.
In Our Keeping
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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.
Town Marshal Freeman served with the Donalsonville Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Donalsonville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Town Marshal Freeman.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Donalsonville Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1901, 5 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
In 1901, 90 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1901, 92 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 41. Of the 481 killed feloniously in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. William had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 41. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 41. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 9.1% of these deaths in GA; December holds the most, 10.6%. Tuesdays: 13.1%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Donalsonville Police Department. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.7% of all 905 deaths in GA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 8.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 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 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Donalsonville Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 44-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Donalsonville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.