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Incident
City Marshal William Blakemore was shot and killed as he attempted to question a suspicious man who had arrived in town by train.
A railroad detective who had been riding on the train notified Marshal Blakemore that the man had been acting suspicious and requested that the marshal follow up. As the subject entered a house in the western section of the city Marshal Blakemore asked what was in his bag. The man responded that there was whiskey in the bag and then opened fire on Marshal Blakemore, killing him.
The suspect was later shot and killed a week later while resisting arrest.
Marshal Blakemore had served with the Humboldt Police Department for 14 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
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.
City Marshal Blakemore gave the Humboldt Police Department 14 years.
Thank you for your service to the Humboldt community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, City Marshal Blakemore.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Humboldt Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 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 1914, 9 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1914, 127 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1914, 127 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 45th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 48. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41. William had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
William was 48. 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 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 48. 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 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 6.6% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Tuesdays: 13.1%.
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 50% of all 2 deaths at Humboldt Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 24.1% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Humboldt Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 24-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Humboldt Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
