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Incident
Patrolman William Bailey succumbed to a heart attack that doctors said was caused by a gunshot wound to his knee sustained when he was shot by one of five burglary suspects he was pursuing after he caught them breaking into the Merchantville Post Office. He was transported to Cooper Hospital in Camden, where he was recovering when he died almost two months later. All five suspects were apprehended and charged with murder after he died. Two were sentenced to 5 to 15 years. One was acquitted. Patrolman Bailey had served with the Merchantville Police Department for 19 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
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 Bailey gave the Merchantville Police Department 19 years.
Thank you for your service to the Merchantville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Bailey.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
William is the only officer of Merchantville Police Department remembered here.
William is one of 264 officers killed feloniously in NJ, 40.8% of the 647 remembered there.
William is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1923, 3 officers in NJ were killed feloniously, the 20th heaviest of 101 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 39.
In 1923, 199 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1923, 200 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 54. Of the 247 killed feloniously in NJ whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
William was 54. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 54. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 8.3% of these deaths in NJ; September holds the most, 23.9%. Mondays: 12.1%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Merchantville Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 40.8% of all 647 deaths in NJ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 12.9% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 27-W
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