Prev
Incident
Lieutenant William Gordon succumbed to injuries received on April 26th, 1881, in a violent struggle with a prisoner attempting to escape from a jail cell at police headquarters in the city hall building. During the long struggle, Lieutenant Gordon was struck several times with a cuspidor. The inmate escaped but was arrested four months later and convicted of Lieutenant Gordon's murder. Lieutenant Gordon had served with the Norwich Police Department for 15 years.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtmxtfkw3mybdw53hn1cp- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew William. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
145 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Lieutenant Gordon gave the Norwich Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Norwich community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Norwich Police Department has lost 5 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 74 officers killed feloniously in CT, 43.8% of the 169 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 1881, 1 officer in CT was killed feloniously, the 10th heaviest of 62 years on record. The heaviest was 1935, with 4.
In 1881, 55 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 134th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1881, 61 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 132nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 10.5 years.
William had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 8.1% of these deaths in CT; May holds the most, 13.5%. Thursdays: 18.9%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 60% of all 5 deaths at Norwich Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was blunt object, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 43.8% of all 169 deaths in CT, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was blunt object, in 4.1% 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 blunt object, in 1.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was blunt object, in 1.1% of these deaths.
His people
Norwich Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 11-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Norwich Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
