Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective William Wolsey was shot and killed by a suspect who attempted to rob him on the 2nd Street viaduct. He had just gotten off work and was walking home when he stopped to speak to a citizen. A man and a juvenile approached and announced a robbery at gunpoint. Detective Wolsey drew his own revolver and the two exchanged shots. Detective Wolsey and the man were both killed. The juvenile was arrested the following day.
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BO-US-MO-C186FA9E- Stewardship
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- 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.
Detective Wolsey served with the Joplin Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Joplin community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Wolsey.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective William Wolsey 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 MO, 516 of 813 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.5% of this state's fallen. That is 63.5 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Joplin Police Department, 17 of 21 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 81% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William Wolsey's cause is highlighted.
How William Wolsey Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Wolsey is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Wolsey was killed by gun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
20 officers from Joplin Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
