William Nathan Shapiro served in the U.S. Navy for 3 years and 11 months. William served during the years of the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
Patrolman Bill Shapiro was shot and killed by a sniper who had been shooting at traffic at Baldwin Reservoir at Fairhill Road. Patrolman Shapiro and other officers had responded to the scene two previous times but were unable to locate the suspect. When they arrived the third time, the suspect ambushed them and shot Patrolman Shapiro using a shotgun. It was Patrolman Shapiro's 36th birthday. The 21-year-old suspect was charged with Patrolman Shapiro's murder and found not guilty by reason of insanity and was remanded to a state hospital. He was denied a release on January 13, 1978. On March 30, 1982, he escaped but was recaptured the next day. As of 2016, he was in a mental hospital in Northfield. Patrolman Shapiro was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Cleveland Division of Police for five years. He was survived by his wife, four children, parents, and brother. One of his sons served with the Cleveland Police Department. He is buried at Lakewood Park Cemetery in Rocky River, Cuyahoga County, Ohio.
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In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Shapiro gave the Cleveland Division of Police 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Cleveland community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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