Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman William Patterson was shot and killed by a man he had arrested earlier in the day for being drunk in public. When the suspect was released from jail he vowed to killed Patrolman Patterson by the end of the day. The suspect confronted Patrolman Patterson and shot and killed him. The suspect was the son of a fellow officer.
The suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death on March 29, 1912. The Alabama Supreme Court granted him a second trial that resulted in another death sentence. A third trial was granted that resulted in another death sentence. A fourth trial was granted but the suspect died in the Gadsden County Jail on December 14, 1913, before the trial started.
Patrolman Patterson had been with the agency for two months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-AL-CCE0847A- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew William. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Patterson served with the Alabama City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Gadsden community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Patterson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman William A. Patterson 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 AL, 405 of 643 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63% of this state's fallen. That is 8.8 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William A. Patterson's cause is highlighted.
How William A. Patterson Compares
Offender Outcome
Died in jail
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William A. Patterson is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William A. Patterson was killed by handgun; .44 caliber.