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Incident
Patrolman Bill Smith was shot and killed after responding to a disturbance call on Harrison Street. Several residents had called the police department to complain about a man walking down the street and cursing loudly. When Patrolman Smith located the man on 4th Street, he was immediately attacked. The man started striking Patrolman Smith with a stick, severely injuring him. Patrolman Smith drew his revolver and shot the suspect four times. The wounds, however, did not stop the suspect, who continued beating Patrolman Smith, who dropped his service revolver. The suspect picked up the gun and shot the patrolman in the back as he lay on the ground. The suspect was taken into custody following the shooting. He died from his wounds five days later. Patrolman Smith served with the DeQuincy Police Department for ten years in a part-time capacity.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two daughters, and three sons.
In Our Keeping
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- 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 Smith gave the DeQuincy Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the DeQuincy community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
William is the only officer of DeQuincy Police Department remembered here.
William is one of 364 officers killed feloniously in LA, 61.2% of the 595 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1966, 5 officers in LA were killed feloniously, the 10th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1900, with 7.
In 1966, 77 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 91st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1966, 81 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 87th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 57. Of the 310 killed feloniously in LA whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 48; the middle age was 40. William had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
William was 57. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 57. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 9.6% of these deaths in LA; July holds the most, 11.3%. Tuesdays: 13.2%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at DeQuincy Police Department. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.2% of all 595 deaths in LA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 29-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from DeQuincy Police Department are honored on badge.nw.