Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman John Wilson was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man for trespassing inside a home at 335 Sixth Avenue.
A boarder at the home notified Patrolman Wilson of the man's presence. As Patrolman Wilson appraoched the home the man exited with a revolver and opened fire, striking Patrolman Wilson. Despite being mortally wounded, Patrolman Wilson returned fire and killed the subject.
Patrolman Wilson succumbed to his wounds two days later.
Patrolman Wilson had served with the Homestead Borough Police Department for approximately 15 years.
Survivors
He was a widower and was survived by his three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PA-B32514D6- 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 Wilson gave the Homestead Borough Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Homestead community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Wilson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman John L. Wilson 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. John L. Wilson's cause is highlighted.
How John L. Wilson Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John L. Wilson is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John L. Wilson was killed by handgun; revolver.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Homestead Borough Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
