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Incident
Patrolman William Freed was shot and killed by a suspect who had just shot another officer. Patrolman Freed and his partner were on foot patrol in the downtown section of the city when they heard a gunshot. They ran to the area where the shot originated and observed a man running from the scene. The suspect had just been arrested for burglary by another officer and was being walked to jail when he pulled out a revolver and shot the officer in the shoulder. The suspect shot at Patrolman Freed as the officers chased him. Patrolman Freed was struck in the chest and mortally wounded. The man was shot, apprehended by other officers, convicted of the murder, and executed. Patrolman Freed had served with the Youngstown Police Department for one year.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents.
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
135 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Patrolman Freed gave the Youngstown Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Youngstown community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Youngstown Police Department has lost 12 officers; 8 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
William is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1891, 1 officer at Youngstown Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1891, 3 officers in OH were killed feloniously, the 57th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1891, 62 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 121st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1891, 62 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 129th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 27. Of the 8 killed feloniously at Youngstown Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 30.8 and 38.8; the middle age was 34.5. William had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 9 years.
William was 27. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 7 years.
William was 27. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 27. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 25% of these deaths at Youngstown Police Department; December holds the most, 25%. Wednesdays: 12.5%.
May holds 9.3% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 9.6%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 12 deaths at Youngstown Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 62.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 31.6% 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 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Youngstown Police Department has 12 officers remembered here, William among them.
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William Freed
May 20, 1891
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Alfred Evans
Nov 5, 1911
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Samuel Banks
Oct 6, 1919
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Alexander Warren
May 3, 1921
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George Leonard
Mar 30, 1924
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Benjamin J. Yeadon
Feb 7, 1925
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Henry Alosious Clemens
Dec 4, 1927
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Frank Cichon
Dec 21, 1963
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Ralph J. DeSalle, Jr.
Jun 13, 1984
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Paul Joseph Durkin
Sep 22, 1987
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Millard Williams
Apr 14, 1992
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Michael Thomas Hartzell
Apr 29, 2003
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 51-W
What is kept
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Others Who Wore This Badge
11 officers from Youngstown Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
