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William Shields
Incident
Constable William Shields was shot and killed in the Glassport Hotel, along Allegheny Avenue in Glassport, while attempting to serve a warrant.
Earlier in the day two subjects had caused their dog to attack a railroad worker. The victim had obtained warrants on the two men and the local Justice of the Peace then requested Constable Shields serve the warrants.
Constable Shields and two Glassport police officers located the men at the Glassport Hotel. One of them was taken into custody in front of the hotel without incident. The officers located the second man inside the hotel's restaurant. As they attempted to arrest him the man opened fire with a pistol, wounding one of the Glassport officers and killing Constable Shields.
The subject was killed by return gunfire. The second subject was able to escape.
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.
Constable Shields served with the Pennsylvania State Constable.
Thank you for your service to the Pittsburgh community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Shields.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Pennsylvania State Constable - Allegheny County has lost 11 officers; 10 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 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 1903, 1 officer at Pennsylvania State Constable - Allegheny County was killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 8 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 2.
In 1903, 7 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1903, 103 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1903, 106 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 57th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 41. Of the 10 killed feloniously at Pennsylvania State Constable - Allegheny County whose age is recorded, half were between 33.5 and 48.8; the middle age was 40.5.
William was 41. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
William was 41. 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 was 41. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
October holds 10% of these deaths at Pennsylvania State Constable - Allegheny County; July holds the most, 40%. Fridays: 40%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Fridays: 15.6%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 90.9% of all 11 deaths at Pennsylvania State Constable - Allegheny County, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 30% 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, in 27.3% 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, 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
Pennsylvania State Constable - Allegheny County has 11 officers remembered here, William among them.
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Henry Hess Jul 26, 1874
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Samuel Norman Jul 27, 1877
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William Shields Oct 16, 1903
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Thomas J. O'Sullivan
Jul 12, 1907
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Martin F. Windt
Dec 29, 1913
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Thomas Pugh Jun 15, 1916
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Peter B. Hoarty Jul 13, 1916
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John Mancos Jul 22, 1925
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Walter H. Gant Sep 16, 1925
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Martin Pluter
Apr 16, 1934
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Andrew Joseph Conroy Jan 21, 1938
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 54-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
10 officers from Pennsylvania State Constable - Allegheny County are honored on badge.nw.
