Roll of Honor
Incident
Location: Oklahoma Weapon: Blunt object Offender: Apprehended
Lighthorseman Billy Cully was killed while attempting to arrest a man in Indian Territory (modern day Oklahoma). Lighthorseman Cully was struck in the head with a blunt object while making the arrest. The suspect he was attempting to arrest and another man were charged with his murder.
One of the suspects was identified by Bass Reeves, legendary and first black Deputy U.S. Marshal. Reeves said he arrested the man, an Indian known by the name of "Wild Cat" in 1886 for murder. He was taking him to Fort Smith, Arkansas, when he escaped as they crossed the Arkansas River.
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." Matthew 5:9
Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo Federal Air Marshal Service March 30th, 2013
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-SN-TR-1B6037A3- 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.
Lighthorseman Cully served with the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Lighthorsemen Police.
Thank you for your service to the Wewoka community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Lighthorseman Cully.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Lighthorseman Billy Cully 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 OK, 403 of 582 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 69.2% of this state's fallen. That is 15 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Lighthorsemen Police, 3 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Billy Cully's cause is highlighted.
How Billy Cully Compares
Offender Outcome
Apprehended
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Billy Cully is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Billy Cully was killed by blunt object.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Lighthorsemen Police are honored on badge.nw.
