Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman William Gleisle was shot and killed while investigating reports of a man with a gun at a diner on Chippewa Street. When he and his partner arrived at the location they were shot at by the man. Patrolman Gleisle was struck in the head and killed. His partner was wounded in the arm but was able to take the subject into custody with the help of two bystanders. The man was charged with murder and additional chargers. The suspect, who had been in prison five times, was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life October 14, 1968. On September 13, 1971, he was one of 29 inmates killed during a riot at Attica Prison. Patrolman Gleisle had served with the Buffalo Police Department for seven years and was assigned to Precinct 3.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-FAC693B6- 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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Gleisle gave the Buffalo Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Buffalo community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Gleisle.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman William F. Gleisle 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 NY, 754 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 35.1% of this state's fallen. That is 19.1 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Buffalo Police Department, 22 of 51 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 43.1% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William F. Gleisle's cause is highlighted.
How William F. Gleisle Compares
Offender Outcome
Killed in prison riot
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William F. Gleisle is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William F. Gleisle was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
50 officers from Buffalo Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
