Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman William Romaine was shot and killed after confronting a group of men who were creating a disturbance.
He and his partner had initially confronted the group at the intersection of S 9th Street and Caldwell Street and told them to move on.
The group moved but again started creating a disturbance one block away at S 9th and Norton Street. When Patrolman Romaine approached them a second time, one of the group became belligerent and then shot Patrolman Romaine three times, killing him. The suspect fled the scene after the shooting but was later apprehended. He was convicted of Patrolman Romain's murder and subsequently executed in June of 1919.
Patrolman Romaine had served with the Paducah Police Department for nine months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, four children, two brothers, and two sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-F98AC22B- 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 Romaine served with the Paducah Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Paducah community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Romaine.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman William F. Romaine 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 Paducah Police Department, 2 of 5 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 40% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William F. Romaine's cause is highlighted.
How William F. Romaine Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 1919
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William F. Romaine is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William F. Romaine was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Paducah Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
