Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman William Meyer was shot and killed by in a shootout with five men who had just robbed a grocery store. He confronted the suspects in the grocery store parking lot at 2100 Gardiner Lane as they were making their escape. One of the suspects was captured in Vincennes, Indiana, the next day. Three were apprehended in Racine, Wisconsin, three days later. The fifth suspect was captured by FBI agents in Tampa, Florida, on March 2, 1968. All five were out of jail and under bond for grocery store robberies committed in Madison, Wisconsin, and Springfield, Illinois. Four of the suspects, 27, 29, 31, and 45, were found guilty of first degree murder and sentenced to death July 3, 1968. In 1972 their sentences were commuted to life. All four would be eligible for parole in 1974. Patrolman Meyer served with the Louisville Police Department for 11 years and was survived by his wife and children. In 1959 he was cited for unusual bravery when he rescued two people from a fire.
Survivors
Patrolman Meyer served with the Louisville Police Department for 11 years and was survived by his wife and children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-2F49C7B9- 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 Meyer gave the Louisville Police Department 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Louisville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Meyer.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman William Frederick Meyer 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 KY, 755 of 983 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 76.8% of this state's fallen. That is 22.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Louisville Police Department, 51 of 91 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 56% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William Frederick Meyer's cause is highlighted.
How William Frederick Meyer Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Frederick Meyer is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Frederick Meyer was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
90 officers from Louisville Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
