Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Willie Heath was shot and killed while responding to a burglary at the post office.
A watchman for the town's trolley system noticed a light on inside of the general store where the post office was located and notified Patrolman Heath. The two returned to the location and encountered two men standing between the store and an adjacent building. One of the men opened fire on Patrolman Heath and the watchman.
Patrolman Heath, who was armed only with his club, immediately rushed towards the men but was struck in the chest by a second shot. The two men ran from the scene and it is unknown if they were ever arrested.
Patrolman Heath had previously served as the Salisbury police chief.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and one daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MA-2B339D03- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Heath served with the Salisbury Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Salisbury community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Heath.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Willie W. Heath 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 97,756 officers honored here.
In MA, 199 of 469 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 42.4% of this state's fallen. That is 42.4 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Willie W. Heath's cause is highlighted.
How Willie W. Heath Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Willie W. Heath is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Willie W. Heath was killed by handgun; revolver.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Salisbury Police Department are honored on badge.nw.