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Incident
Patrolman Louis Wilmeth was accidentally shot and killed when his revolver fell from its holster and discharged.
The accident occurred as he was cleaning a drain at the city reservoir.
Patrolman Wilmeth had served with the Buena Vista Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnpbhhqsa9v6dx5k1142- Stewardship
- 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.
Patrolman Wilmeth gave the Buena Vista Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Buena Vista community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Wilmeth.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Buena Vista Police Department has lost 4 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Louis is one of 203 officers lost to accidents in VA, 31.1% of the 653 remembered there.
Louis is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Louis is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1923, 2 officers in VA were lost to accidents, the 32nd heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 1870, with 10.
In 1923, 77 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 31st heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1923, 83 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 51st heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Louis was 38. Of the 192 lost to accidents in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 45; the middle age was 36. Louis had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Louis was 38. 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. Louis had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Louis was 38. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Louis had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 10.8% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 12.8%. Fridays: 16.7%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Fridays: 15.1%.
July holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Fridays: 15%.
How
Accident deaths account for 25% of all 4 deaths at Buena Vista Police Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 31.1% of all 653 deaths in VA, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Buena Vista Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Louis among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 44-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Buena Vista Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
