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Incident
Patrolman Wilbur Francis was shot and killed while responding to a burglary in progress on Hill Street in Christiansted. As he opened the gate to the residence he was shot in the head. Patrolman Francis had been with the agency for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his three month old son.
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.
Patrolman Francis gave the Virgin Islands Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Charlotte Amalie community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Francis.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Virgin Islands Police Department has lost 15 officers; 10 of them killed feloniously.
Wilbur is one of 10 officers killed feloniously in STI, 62.5% of the 16 remembered there.
Wilbur is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Wilbur 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 1977, 1 officer at Virgin Islands Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1977, 1 officer in STI was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1977, 128 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 36th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1977, 146 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 34th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Wilbur was 33. Of the 10 killed feloniously at Virgin Islands Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 29.3 and 42.8; the middle age was 37.5. Wilbur had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Wilbur was 33. Of the 10 killed feloniously in STI whose age is recorded, half were between 29.3 and 42.8; the middle age was 37.5. Wilbur had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Wilbur was 33. 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. Wilbur had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Wilbur was 33. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Wilbur had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 20% of these deaths at Virgin Islands Police Department; January holds the most, 20%. Saturdays: 20%.
July holds 20% of these deaths in STI; January holds the most, 20%. Saturdays: 20%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 15 deaths at Virgin Islands Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 30% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 62.5% of all 16 deaths in STI, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 30% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Virgin Islands Police Department has 15 officers remembered here, Wilbur among them.
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Lionel Emanuel Isaac
May 18, 1948
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Leopold Emanuel Fredericks, Jr.
Aug 28, 1963
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Leroy Alvaro Swan Feb 26, 1965
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Rudel Albert Parrott Jul 1, 1971
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Allan Williams Oct 29, 1971
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Patrick Emmanuel Sweeney, Sr.
Oct 27, 1975
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Wilbur Horatio Francis Jul 30, 1977
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Richard Nicolas Callwood
Dec 29, 1980
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Dexter L. Mardenborough
Jan 27, 1991
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Steven Alexis Hodge
Mar 27, 1994
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Cuthbert Ezekiel Chapman
Apr 26, 2004
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Ariel Anton Frett
Feb 8, 2007
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Akeem Basil Newton
Jan 20, 2008
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Colvin Terrance Georges, Sr.
Sep 29, 2012
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Delberth Phipps, Jr.
Jul 4, 2023
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 48-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
14 officers from Virgin Islands Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
