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Incident
Patrolman William Chapman was killed in an automobile accident on Genesee Street while responding to a call at St. Elizabeth's Hospital. Another vehicle turned onto Genesee Street from Arnold Street, causing Patrolman Chapman to swerve to avoid a collision. Patrolman Chapman's patrol car then struck a building where he sustained serious internal injuries. He was transported to a local hospital where he died approximately one hour later. Patrolman Chapman had served with the agency for 15 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two young daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Chapman gave the Utica Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Utica community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Chapman.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Utica Police Department has lost 6 officers; 3 of them lost to accidents.
William is one of 641 officers lost to accidents in NY, 30.1% of the 2,132 remembered there.
William is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1980, 3 officers in NY were lost to accidents, the 62nd heaviest of 137 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 24.
In 1980, 71 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 44th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1980, 86 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 46th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
William was 39. Of the 575 lost to accidents in NY whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 44; the middle age was 37. William had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
William was 39. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. William had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 39. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. William had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 10% of these deaths in NY; October holds the most, 10.3%. Saturdays: 12.6%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
July holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 6 deaths at Utica Police Department, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30.1% of all 2,132 deaths in NY, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Utica Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 17-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Utica Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
