Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman William Smith was shot and killed after responding to the scene of a drunk man brandishing a handgun.
He was instantly killed when he was shot in the mouth and heart. Other officers returned fire, hitting the suspect more than 20 times, killing him.
Patrolman Smith had served with the Homestead Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PA-74A6CC6E- 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 Smith gave the Homestead Borough Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Homestead community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman William F. Smith 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 PA, 597 of 1,261 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 47.3% of this state's fallen. That is 6.9 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Homestead Borough Police Department, 2 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William F. Smith's cause is highlighted.
How William F. Smith Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William F. Smith is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William F. Smith was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Homestead Borough Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
