Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman William Gudehus was shot and killed when he attempted to stop two brothers from beating and robbing an old man at 7th Street and Clinton Street. The two subjects overpowered Patrolman Gudehus, beat him with his own baton, and then shot him twice with his own service weapon. The suspects were both arrested and charged with Patrolman Gudehus' murder. The suspects were part of a large gang of criminals operating in the country's northeast part. On January 30, 1919, other members of the gang shot and killed Constable William Madden of the Manchester, Connecticut, Police Department as they attempted to commit an armed robbery. The suspects were committing the theft in an attempt to get enough money to bail out the two brothers who had murdered Patrolman Gudehus. The gang was also suspected of being involved with the murders of an unidentified railroad detective and an unidentified night watchman in New Jersey. Their trial ended when the jury failed to come to an agreement. A mistrial was declared. Patrolman Gudehus had served with the Hoboken Police Department for over seven years, assigned to the 2nd Precinct. He was predeceased by his wife. He was survived by his two daughters, stepdaughter, two sisters, and a brother. His great-great-grandson and great-great-great-grandson serve with the Stevens Institute of Technology Campus Police Department and the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office. He is buried in the Holy Name Cemetary and Mausoleum in Jersey City, Hudson County, New Jersey.
Survivors
He was survived by his two daughters, stepdaughter, two sisters, and a brother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NJ-387EC1A0- 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 Gudehus gave the Hoboken Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Hoboken community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Gudehus.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman William Gudehus 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 NJ, 229 of 646 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 35.4% of this state's fallen. That is 35.4 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Hoboken Police Department, 5 of 7 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 71.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William Gudehus's cause is highlighted.
How William Gudehus Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Gudehus is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Gudehus was killed by officer's handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Hoboken Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
