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William Hudec
Agency patch
Patrolman

William Hudec

Cleveland Division of Police — Cleveland, OH
Accident
United States flag Ohio flag
End of Watch August 30, 1955
Age 45
Tour of Duty 14 yrs
The Vigil Panel 91 ›
Gender Male
Incident Media Service The Sacrifice Memorials 1 Department 118

Incident

Patrolman William Hudec and Patrolman Warren Stainbrook were killed when the police ambulance they were operating was struck by a train at the East 91st Street crossing. The two officers were returning to the station after transporting a patient to a hospital. Several tall buildings near the tracks partially blocked the view of the crossing, and it is believed the officers did not see the train approaching. As they started across the tracks, the vehicle was struck by a train, which was traveling at approximately 50 mph. Both officers were thrown from the ambulance and killed. Patrolman Hudec had served with the Cleveland Division of Police for 14 years.

Survivors

He was survived by his daughter and brother, who also served with the Cleveland Police Department.

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 Hudec gave the Cleveland Division of Police 14 years.
Thank you for your service to the Cleveland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Hudec.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

Agency

Department Cleveland Division of Police
Type Other
Location Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, OH
Platform Identity cdpd.cuyahoga.oh.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch August 30, 1955
Tour of Duty 14 yrs
Age 45
Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Accident

The Sacrifice · Accident

William is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.

34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.

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Compare against
I

Time

In 1955, 67 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 59th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.

Every year on record · United States
II

Who

William was 45. 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 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.

Age at death
Where he stood among them
Age by years of service
III

When

August holds 9.5% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 14.1%.

By month
By day of the week
IV

How

Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.

Every cause
Weapons recorded
V

His people

Cleveland Division of Police has 119 officers remembered here, William among them.

Across the years
VI

Where

Patrolman William Hudec

Cleveland Division of Police · End of Watch August 30, 1955

Where the Name Is Cut

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 51-W

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