Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman William McPherson was shot and killed after being ambushed. He was talking with the barkeeper in a saloon when two masked men entered and opened fire on them. Policeman McPherson was able to return fire and wound one of the suspects. Policeman McPherson succumbed to his injuries three days later. The barkeeper died at the scene. One of the suspects surrendered to the police a short time later. The other suspect was easily captured and it was discovered that he had been shot twice. The suspect who surrendered told police that they intended to rob the saloon. Police discovered that he shot the other suspect out of anger when he saw him shoot Policeman McPherson and the barkeeper. The suspect who did the killing was sentenced to death and hanged on Febuary 26, 1916. The other suspect was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 20 years to life.
Survivors
Policeman McPherson was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CO-C19A306C- 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.
Policeman McPherson served with the Denver Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Denver community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman McPherson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman William McPherson 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 CO, 235 of 360 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 65.3% of this state's fallen. That is 65.3 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Denver Police Department, 55 of 74 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 74.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William McPherson's cause is highlighted.
How William McPherson Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William McPherson is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William McPherson was killed by gun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
73 officers from Denver Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
