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Incident
Chief of Police William Ginter died after contracting smallpox while fumigating a house following the borough's case of the disease.
The victim had come to town and died at his parents' home. Chief Ginter buried the body and then fumigated the house. Several days later Chief Ginter suddenly became ill and died after having contracted the disease.
Chief Ginter was a widower and was survived by his young daughter.
Survivors
Chief Ginter was a widower and was survived by his young daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Chief of Police Ginter served with the Blairsville Borough Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Blairsville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Ginter.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Illness
William is the only officer of Blairsville Borough Police Department remembered here.
William is one of 121 officers lost to illness in PA, 9.6% of the 1,262 remembered there.
William is one of 2,028 officers lost to illness in the United States, 7.4% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 2,979 officers lost to illness worldwide, 8.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1903, 1 officer in PA was lost to illness, the 6th heaviest of 17 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 66.
In 1903, 2 officers in the United States were lost to illness, the 46th heaviest of 108 years on record. The heaviest was 2021, with 564.
In 1903, 13 officers worldwide were lost to illness, the 32nd heaviest of 197 years on record. The heaviest was 2021, with 566.
Who
William was 50. Of the 121 lost to illness in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 50; the middle age was 39.
William was 50. Of the 1,996 lost to illness in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 42 and 58; the middle age was 51.
William was 50. Of the 2,916 lost to illness worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 39 and 56; the middle age was 49.
When
December holds 9.1% of these deaths in PA; October holds the most, 49.6%. Mondays: 14.9%.
December holds 9.6% of these deaths in the United States; October holds the most, 14.9%. Mondays: 14.2%.
December holds 9.6% of these deaths worldwide; October holds the most, 12.6%. Mondays: 14.6%.
How
Illness deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Blairsville Borough Police Department.
Illness deaths account for 9.6% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the 3rd most common cause.
Illness deaths account for 7.4% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 3rd most common cause.
Illness deaths account for 8.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 3rd most common cause.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 50-E
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0 officers from Blairsville Borough Police Department are honored on badge.nw.