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Incident
Patrolman John Wilson was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man for trespassing inside a home at 335 Sixth Avenue.
A boarder at the home notified Patrolman Wilson of the man's presence. As Patrolman Wilson appraoched the home the man exited with a revolver and opened fire, striking Patrolman Wilson. Despite being mortally wounded, Patrolman Wilson returned fire and killed the subject.
Patrolman Wilson succumbed to his wounds two days later.
Patrolman Wilson had served with the Homestead Borough Police Department for approximately 15 years.
Survivors
He was a widower and was survived by his three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- 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 Wilson gave the Homestead Borough Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Homestead community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Wilson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Homestead Borough Police Department has lost 4 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1918, 16 officers in PA were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1918, 165 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1918, 169 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 65. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. John had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
John was 65. 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. John had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 65. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 10.5% of these deaths in PA, more than any other month. Sundays: 12.9%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Homestead Borough Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 3% 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; revolver, in 0.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 0.8% of these deaths.
His people
Homestead Borough Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 54-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Homestead Borough Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
