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Incident
Patrolman William Clary was killed in an automobile crash while attempting to stop a tractor-trailer on Main Street, just in front of the town hall and the police department. An officer on foot patrol had noticed that the doors on the tractor-trailer were not closed and were swinging open. The officer radioed to Patrolman Clary to stop the truck and inform the driver of the situation. As Patrolman Clary neared the truck, his patrol car went out of control, crossed the street, and struck a tree. Patrolman Clary was transported to Glens Falls Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later. Patrolman Clary had served with the Hudson Falls Police Department for ten years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- 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 Clary gave the Hudson Falls Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Hudson Falls community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Clary.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
William is the only officer of Hudson Falls Police Department remembered here.
William is one of 641 officers lost to accidents in NY, 30.1% of the 2,132 remembered there.
William is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1978, 4 officers in NY were lost to accidents, the 52nd heaviest of 137 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 24.
In 1978, 78 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 30th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1978, 101 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 18th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
William was 40. 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 10 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
William was 40. 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 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 40. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. William had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 8.6% of these deaths in NY; October holds the most, 10.3%. Fridays: 14.5%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Fridays: 15.1%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Fridays: 15%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Hudson Falls Police Department.
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 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 23-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Hudson Falls Police Department are honored on badge.nw.