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Incident
Police Officer William Nichols succumbed to injuries sustained three days earlier while directing traffic at an accident scene on the County Causeway (Road A1A). He and another officer were crushed between an ambulance and an automobile. The other officer suffered critical injuries. The woman who struck them was charged with manslaughter, driving while intoxicated, and reckless driving. Officer Nichols had served with the Miami Beach Police Department for 11 years. He had previously served with the Savannah Police Department and Charleston Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, son, sister, two brothers, and three grandchildren.
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.
Police Officer Nichols gave the Miami Beach Police Department 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Miami Beach community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Nichols.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Miami Beach Police Department has lost 10 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.3% of the 1,006 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 1936, 6 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1936, 136 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1936, 136 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 38th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 53. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36. William had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
William was 53. 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 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 53. 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 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 7.8% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Tuesdays: 14.9%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 40% of all 10 deaths at Miami Beach Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.3% of all 1,006 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 7.5% 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 automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Miami Beach Police Department has 10 officers remembered here, William among them.
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David C. Bearden
Mar 20, 1928
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William Lawrence Nichols
Feb 4, 1936
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Robert Boyle
Aug 31, 1936
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Donald Bernard Kramer
Feb 25, 1984
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John Carroll Koppin
Dec 26, 1984
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Robert E. Fitzpatrick
Apr 3, 1985
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Scott Richard Rakow
Jun 30, 1988
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Larry Emilio Marrero
Nov 28, 2018
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Edward Perez
Aug 19, 2021
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David Cajuso
Oct 28, 2025
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 15-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from Miami Beach Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
