Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer William Robertson was shot and killed from ambush when a shot was fired into his police van. Officer Robertson was riding as a passenger in the van when the shooting took place. The ambush was undertaken by two suspects, one of whom was standing on a corner next to a stop sign. When the van approached he signaled to the second suspect who was hiding in a nearby vacant lot. The second suspect fired a rifle shot into the van, striking Officer Robertson. Both men were convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. Officer Robertson had served with the Milwaukee Police Department for one year and had previously served with the Whitefish Bay Police Department for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife, who later delivered twins.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-WI-2CFFFD5C- 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.
Police Officer Robertson gave the Milwaukee Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Milwaukee community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Robertson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer William Arthur Robertson 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 WI, 159 of 317 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50.2% of this state's fallen. That is 4 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Milwaukee Police Department, 42 of 69 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William Arthur Robertson's cause is highlighted.
How William Arthur Robertson Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Arthur Robertson is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Arthur Robertson was killed by rifle.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
68 officers from Milwaukee Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
