Roll of Honor
Incident
Special Policeman William Hyatt was shot and killed while searching for a man who was wanted for a robbery.
Authorities had learned the man was in Wellsville and activated the volunteer police force. Special Policeman Hyatt encountered the man while posted at the railroad yard at Boring's Crossing. The subject immediately opened fire, shooting Policeman Hyatt. Despite his wounds, Policeman Hyatt was able to return fire after falling to the ground but did not hit the man.
Policeman Hyatt was transported by train to a hospital in East Liverpool where he died shortly after midnight.
The man was arrested a short time later. He was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. He died in prison the following year.
Policeman Hyatt had served as a volunteer policeman for only a few weeks.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-1F821496- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew William. 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.
Special Policeman Hyatt served with the Wellsville Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Wellsville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Policeman Hyatt.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Special Policeman William T. Hyatt 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 OH, 572 of 991 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.7% of this state's fallen. That is 3.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Wellsville Police Department, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William T. Hyatt's cause is highlighted.
How William T. Hyatt Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William T. Hyatt is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William T. Hyatt was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Wellsville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
