Prev
Incident
Patrolman Bartels succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained two days earlier while arresting a man for being drunk in public. The man had been arrested six times for the same charge the previous month and had vowed to kill the next policeman who arrested him. As Patrolman Bartels patrolled the Elm Grove business district, he observed the man drinking in public. After placing him under arrest, he searched the man and confiscated a small revolver. As he walked the man to jail, he was suddenly attacked. During the ensuing struggle, the man was able to regain control of the revolver and shot Patrolman Bartels in the chest. The man was taken into custody by several citizens who were attending a nearby baseball game. Patrolman Bartels was transported to North Wheeling Hospital, where he died two days later. His killer was sentenced to death for the murder, but the sentence was commuted to life in prison by the governor. Patrolman Bartels had served with the Wheeling Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqh778xxz753n140x505- 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 Herman. 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 Bartels gave the Wheeling Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Wheeling community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Bartels.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Wheeling Police Department has lost 9 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Herman is one of 169 officers killed feloniously in WV, 72.8% of the 232 remembered there.
Herman is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Herman 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 1922, 1 officer at Wheeling Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1922, 5 officers in WV were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 79 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
In 1922, 228 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1922, 306 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Herman was 40. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Wheeling Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 26 and 39; the middle age was 39. Herman had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 2 years.
Herman was 40. Of the 147 killed feloniously in WV whose age is recorded, half were between 31.5 and 47.5; the middle age was 39. Herman had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 4.5 years.
Herman was 40. 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. Herman had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Herman was 40. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Herman had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 20% of these deaths at Wheeling Police Department; January holds the most, 40%. Wednesdays: 20%.
May holds 5.9% of these deaths in WV; August holds the most, 14.2%. Wednesdays: 17.2%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 55.6% of all 9 deaths at Wheeling Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 60% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 72.8% of all 232 deaths in WV, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 25.4% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Wheeling Police Department has 9 officers remembered here, Herman among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 5-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Wheeling Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
