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Incident
Policeman McCown was shot and killed on Main Street by a man had previously arrested for drunk driving after he had a traffic accident. The suspect had been allowed to post a cash bond and was released from jail. A short time later he approached Policeman McCown from behind on a city street and ordered him to put his hands up. The man then spun him around and shot him twice in the chest with a .32 caliber handgun. Several witnesses chased the suspect a short distance until he was arrested by the Cedartown police chief and another officer. On October 29, 1954, the suspect, 53, was convicted of murder in Cobb County and sentenced to life. He was paroled on January 6, 1964. The suspect's brother had shot and killed Officer Marion Key, of the Atlanta Police Department, on March 4, 1948. Policeman McCown had previously served as sheriff of of Polk County for 12 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and 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.
Policeman McCown gave the Cedartown Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Cedartown community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman McCown.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
William is the only officer of Cedartown Police Department remembered here.
William is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 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 1954, 2 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 90th heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
In 1954, 76 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 92nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1954, 77 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 97th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 60. Of the 481 killed feloniously in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. William had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 60. 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 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 60. 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 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 8.6% of these deaths in GA; December holds the most, 10.6%. Saturdays: 20.6%.
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 100% of all 1 deaths at Cedartown Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.7% of all 905 deaths in GA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% 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.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 44-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Cedartown Police Department are honored on badge.nw.