Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Louis Spencer was killed near his home on Christmas Eve while pursuing an unidentified gunman. Patrolman Spencer, off-duty at the time, ran from his home on Erin Street when he heard gunshots and found an armed man shooting through the window of a neighbor. Although he was not in uniform, Patrolman Spencer pursued the suspect when the suspect ran from the scene. During the pursuit the suspect stopped, turned, and shot Patrolman Spencer in the heart. Patrolman Spencer was able to return fire and hit the suspect in the wrist. He was apprehended a short time later. The subject was found guilty of second degree murder on April 9, 1947, and sentenced 10-20 years in prison. Patrolman Spencer was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the city's highest award for bravery. The award and citation was presented to Patrolman Spencer widow by Mayor David L. Lawrence at the funeral. Patrolman Spencer had served with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for three years and was assigned to the Number 6 Police Station at Penn Avenue and Highland Avenue, present day Zone 5 Police Station East Liberty.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, mother, child, and siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PA-37806585- 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 Louis. 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 Spencer gave the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police 3 years.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Spencer.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Louis G. Spencer is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In PA, 597 of 1,261 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 47.3% of this state's fallen. That is 47.3 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, 45 of 101 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 44.6% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Louis G. Spencer's cause is highlighted.
How Louis G. Spencer Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Louis G. Spencer is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Louis G. Spencer was killed by gun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
100 officers from Pittsburgh Bureau of Police are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
