Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman Wilmer DeVinish and Policeman Patrick Sweeney were attempting to arrest a subject in a saloon at 2:20 p.m. at the corner of Choctaw Street and Third Street for disturbing the peace. The subject produced a revolver and shot and wounded Policeman Sweeney and killed Policeman DeVinish, who fired back, before succumbing to wounds to the head and heart.
Three months later the suspect was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. He died in prison on March 30, 1926.
Policeman DeVinish served in the Spanish American War in Cuba was decorated for bravery. He was a former prison guard at Leavenworth Penitentiary and had served just four months with the Leavenworth Police Department when he was killed.
Policeman DeVinish was survived by his wife and child, his parents, and his grandparents.
He was buried next to his brother Sgt. John DeVinish who passed away from illness while still employed with the Wilmington, Delaware Police Department.
Survivors
Policeman DeVinish was survived by his wife and child, his parents, and his grandparents.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KS-7C565FEA- 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Policeman DeVinish served with the Leavenworth Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Leavenworth community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Wilmer Grant DeVinish served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Policeman Wilmer Grant DeVinish 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 KS, 237 of 335 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 70.7% of this state's fallen. That is 16.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Leavenworth Police Department, 7 of 7 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Wilmer Grant DeVinish's cause is highlighted.
How Wilmer Grant DeVinish Compares
Offender Outcome
Died in prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Wilmer Grant DeVinish is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Wilmer Grant DeVinish was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Leavenworth Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
