Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman William Clancy was shot by an armed youth at a dance at Roughan Hall in Charlestown. There was an argument between groups of dancers when Patrolman Clancy and another officer attempted to stop the fight. The subject fired, attempting to wound another police officer, but hit Patrolman Clancy. The suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. He was paroled on January 1, 1953. Patrolman Clancy had served with the Boston Police Department for two months. He was a British Army WWI veteran, sustaining many wounds in battles, and was the first American to carry the U.S. flag into battle. He was survived by his wife, 2-year-old son, and father. He was buried at Highland Cemetery with full military honors.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, 2-year-old son, and father.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MA-8B8339BE- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Clancy served with the Boston Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Roxbury Crossing community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
William G. Clancy served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Patrolman William G. Clancy is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In MA, 199 of 469 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 42.4% of this state's fallen. That is 11.8 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Boston Police Department, 45 of 106 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 42.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William G. Clancy's cause is highlighted.
How William G. Clancy Compares
Offender Outcome
Paroled in 1953
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William G. Clancy is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William G. Clancy was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
105 officers from Boston Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
