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Incident
Officer Romano was shot and killed as he and his partner responded to a location where a man had just shot his neighbor. The man opened fire on the officers as they exited their patrol car, killing Officer Romano. The suspect then went into his home and committed suicide. Officer Romano was single and had served with the agency for 8 years.
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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.
Traffic Officer Romano gave the Houghton Police Department 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the Houghton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Traffic Officer Romano.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
William is the only officer of Houghton Police Department remembered here.
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 1930, 14 officers in MI were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1930, 239 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1930, 241 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 32. Of the 400 killed feloniously in MI whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 42; the middle age was 35. William had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
William was 32. 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 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 32. 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 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 8.4% of these deaths in MI; December holds the most, 12.3%. Tuesdays: 11.6%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Houghton Police Department. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 59% of all 703 deaths in MI, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 7.5% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 38-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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