Roll of Honor
Incident
Location: New York Weapon: Handgun; .38 caliber Offender: Sentenced to 30 years
Patrolman Wiliam Deal was shot and killed in Scotia, New York, while attempting to arrest three men who were trespassing in the railroad's Sand Bank Yards.
The same three men had attacked and robbed a Boston and Maine Railroad Police lieutenant the previous night in Mechanicville. During that incident, the lieutenant had attempted to arrest the men for trespassing. After attacking him the men stole his revolver, badge, and money before tying him up and leaving him the woods.
Patrolman Deal was shot when he confronted the men moments after they asked a brakeman where they could jump onto a train. All three were arrested following a day-long manhunt. The man who shot Patrolman Deal was sentenced to 30 years at hard labor.
Patrolman Deal had served with the New York Central Railroad Police for 14 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-RR-263E74F3- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Patrolman Deal gave the New York Central Railroad Police Department 14 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Deal.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman William E. Deal 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 NY, 728 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 33.9% of this state's fallen. That is 33.9 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At New York Central Railroad Police Department, 8 of 14 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.1% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William E. Deal's cause is highlighted.
How William E. Deal Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William E. Deal is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William E. Deal was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
13 officers from New York Central Railroad Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
