Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer William Padgett was shot and killed when he interceded between two men who were struggling with each other over possession of a revolver at 8th Street and Central Avenue. The gun discharged twice killing Officer Padgett and critically wounding one of the men. The wounded man was admitted to a hospital with a bulled wound in his abdomen. After spending several days in the hospital he was released and jailed for murder.
On January 5, 1918, the suspect, 39, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sent to prison where he died on May 2, 1918, from complications from his gunshot wound.
On July 18th, 1916, Policeman Padgett along with another officer apprehended two men and a woman responsible for the murder of Turnkey Isaac Hibbs of the Camden County Sheriff's Office, New Jersey.
Officer Padgett, as I said in my previous reflection, your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten and with today being the 103rd anniversary of your untimely departure, I will reiterate those words again. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo Delaware State Police (Retired) August 28th, 2020
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-PA-4591DCD5- 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.
Police Officer Padgett served with the Chester City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Chester community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Padgett.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer William H. Padgett 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 PA, 597 of 1,261 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 47.3% of this state's fallen. That is 6.9 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Chester City Police Department, 8 of 17 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 47.1% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William H. Padgett's cause is highlighted.
How William H. Padgett Compares
Offender Outcome
Died in prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William H. Padgett is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William H. Padgett was killed by handgun; revolver.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
16 officers from Chester City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
