Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman William Greller was shot and killed when he and another officer interrupted a robbery in progress at a local meat packing plant. The two officer had gone to the plant to interview the owner about a previous burglary. Coincidentally, when they arrived, the plant's office was being robbed. The suspect immediately opened fire on the two officers, striking Patrolman Greller in the chest twice. The other officer was shot in the arm but was able to return fire and kill the suspect. Patrolman Greller had served with the Cleveland Police Department for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-B1D38B0C- 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 Greller gave the Cleveland Division of Police 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Cleveland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Greller.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman William J. Greller 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 OH, 572 of 991 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.7% of this state's fallen. That is 57.7 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Cleveland Division of Police, 83 of 119 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 69.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William J. Greller's cause is highlighted.
How William J. Greller Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William J. Greller is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William J. Greller was killed by gun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
118 officers from Cleveland Division of Police are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
