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William W. Davis
Incident
Officer Bill Davis and Officer Richard Posey were shot and killed after being ambushed in the police department's parking lot. After patroling the town, the officers went back to the station around 2:00 a.m. When Officer Davis exited the patrol car, he was shot. Officer Posey ran around the vehicle to see what happened; he was also shot. Both officers were shot in the back. They were found around 3:00 am. A 28-year-old man was arrested at his home and charged with their murders. The victim officers had charged him with driving with a revoked license two months earlier. The suspect was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to two life terms on March 25, 1974. Officer Davis had served with the Kennett Square Police Department for two years. He was survived by his parents, four brothers, and two sisters. His father had served as a correctional officer, and a brother was a part-time police officer in New Garden Township.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents, four brothers, and two sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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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.
Police Officer Davis gave the Kennett Square Borough Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Kennett Square community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Davis.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Kennett Square Borough Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 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, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1972, 9 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1972, 142 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 28th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1972, 160 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 27. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. William had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
William was 27. 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 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 27. 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 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 9.4% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Wednesdays: 15.4%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Kennett Square Borough Police Department. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 4.3% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Kennett Square Borough Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 62-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Kennett Square Borough Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
