Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman William Steam was shot and killed from behind by a man who was angry that the officer had just shut down an illegal dance hall. The man approached Policeman Steam and shot him in the back and back of the head, killing him.
The suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life.
Policeman Steam had served with the Denver Police Department for 11 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CO-B5F2A3BA- 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.
Policeman Steam gave the Denver Police Department 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Denver community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Steam.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman William O. Steam is one of 17,559 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 53.9% of all 32,587 officers honored here.
In CO, 235 of 360 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 65.3% of this state's fallen. That is 11.4 percentage points above the national rate of 53.9%.
At Denver Police Department, 55 of 74 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 74.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William O. Steam's cause is highlighted.
How William O. Steam Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William O. Steam is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William O. Steam was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
73 officers from Denver Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
