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Incident
Officer Novak was shot and killed at a school board meeting by the city school director. Officer Novak was sent to the meeting due to ill feelings among board members over a recent election. The suspect said his revolver accidentally discharged when Officer Novak pushed him. He was tried for murder and acquitted. Officer Novak had served with the agency for 5 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Novak gave the Dickson City Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Dickson City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Novak.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Dickson City Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 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, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1931, 10 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1931, 221 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1931, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 31. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. William had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
William was 31. 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 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 31. 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 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 10.5% of these deaths in PA, more than any other month. Thursdays: 13.7%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Dickson City Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% 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 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Dickson City Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 30-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Dickson City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.