Roll of Honor
Incident
Sergeant William Prochazka was shot and killed when he interrupted a robbery in progress at a local paint store at the Southgate Shopping Center. He went to the store to drop off mug shots while investigating a robbery of the store from several weeks earlier. He was shot in the neck as he walked through the rear door. Three suspects were arrested in Cleveland shortly thereafter. The fourth suspect was arrested in Detroit on September 8, 1976, for breaking and entering. He gave a false name, but a fingerprint check revealed his true identity. All four, 18, 18, 19, and 19, were sentenced to death, but their sentences were commuted to life in 1977. One of the four, the getaway driver, was released in 2003. Two will be eligible for parole in 2025. One was granted parole in 2025, and one was denied. Sergeant Prochazka had served with the Bedford Heights Police Department for 11 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-FAA436B2- 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.
Sergeant Prochazka gave the Bedford Heights Police Department 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Bedford Heights community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Prochazka.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sergeant William A. Prochazka 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 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 3.5 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. Prochazka's cause is highlighted.
How William A. Prochazka Compares
Offender Outcome
Commuted to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William A. Prochazka is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William A. Prochazka was killed by gun; unknown type.