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Incident
Chief of Police William Brinkley was shot and killed as he attempted to arrest a man wanted in another state. Chief Brinkley had received a telegram notifying him that the escaped convict would be arriving at the Suffolk train station with illegal liquor. Chief Brinkley and another officer went to the station to arrest the man. They were standing in the station doorway when the suspect exited the train. The suspect saw the officers and immediately opened fire, striking Chief Brinkley in the abdomen. The suspect was shot and killed while exchanging shots with the other officer, who was taking cover behind a train wheel. Chief Brinkley was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds two days later. The other officer involved in the shootout, Patrolman Joseph S. Pratt, was shot and killed in the line of duty on October 20, 1935. Chief Brinkley had been with the Suffolk Police Department for 18 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, a son, and a 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 Brinkley gave the Suffolk Police Department 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the Suffolk community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Brinkley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Suffolk Police Department has lost 5 officers; 3 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 15,743 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 1918, 5 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1918, 165 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1918, 169 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 49. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. William had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 49. 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 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 49. 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 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 10.4% of these deaths in VA, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.2%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.8%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 60% of all 5 deaths at Suffolk Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 66.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 14.2% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Suffolk Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 18-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Suffolk Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
