Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer William Melton succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained on February 4th, 1933, while attempting to arrest a man who was trespassing on the railroad tracks along Jeff Davis Avenue and Maxey Street. Officer Melton had served with the Selma Police Department for four years. He was survived by his wife, parents, and six siblings. His father-in-law was the Chief of Police.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, parents, and six siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-AL-70E900E4- 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.
Police Officer Melton gave the Selma Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Selma community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Melton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer William Joseph Melton 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 AL, 405 of 643 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63% of this state's fallen. That is 63 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Selma Police Department, 3 of 3 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 Joseph Melton's cause is highlighted.
How William Joseph Melton Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Joseph Melton is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Joseph Melton was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Selma Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
