Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman William Land was shot and killed when he and another officer responded to a disturbance call at a downtown hotel. As soon as they arrived a man walked out of the front door and shot Patrolman Land three times. The other officer returned fire striking the suspect in the hip. The 27-year-old suspect was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 5 to 16 years. He had served with the Bluefield Police Department for 12 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and child.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-WV-C1ADD11B- 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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Land gave the Bluefield Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Bluefield community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Land.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman William M. Land 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 WV, 169 of 232 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 72.8% of this state's fallen. That is 18.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Bluefield Police Department, 3 of 5 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William M. Land's cause is highlighted.
How William M. Land Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 5 to 16 years.
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William M. Land is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William M. Land was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Bluefield Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
