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Incident
Patrolman Oliver and Patrolman Lawrence Cooney were shot and killed by a juvenile suspect who was being arrested for burglarizing a local gas station. The suspect and a second juvenile suspect were handcuffed together and being placed into a patrol car when one of them grabbed Patrolman Oliver's service weapon and shot him. Patrolman Cooney, hearing the shot, rushed to the scene and was shot at by the suspects. He began to chase the suspects and as he rounded the corner he was shot several times. Although wounded, he continued to fire at the suspects. He then drove himself to the police station where he collapsed. Patrolman Oliver was taken to a local hospital by a passing milkman. Patrolman Oliver succumbed to his wounds on July 12, 1937. The 19 year-old suspect was arrested and sentenced to life in prison. He was paroled January 25, 1963.
Survivors
Patrolman Oliver was survived by his wife and four children.
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.
Patrolman Oliver served with the Roseville Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Roseville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Oliver.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Roseville Police Department has lost 4 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 415 officers killed feloniously in MI, 59% of the 703 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 1937, 4 officers in MI were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 124 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 14.
In 1937, 123 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 41st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1937, 123 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 48th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 56. Of the 400 killed feloniously in MI whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 42; the middle age was 35.
William was 56. 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 56. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
July holds 9.2% of these deaths in MI; December holds the most, 12.3%. Mondays: 14.9%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Roseville Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 59% of all 703 deaths in MI, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.5% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Roseville Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 26-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Roseville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
