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Incident
Patrolman William Patterson was shot and killed by a man he had arrested earlier in the day for being drunk in public. When the suspect was released from jail he vowed to killed Patrolman Patterson by the end of the day. The suspect confronted Patrolman Patterson and shot and killed him. The suspect was the son of a fellow officer.
The suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death on March 29, 1912. The Alabama Supreme Court granted him a second trial that resulted in another death sentence. A third trial was granted that resulted in another death sentence. A fourth trial was granted but the suspect died in the Gadsden County Jail on December 14, 1913, before the trial started.
Patrolman Patterson had been with the agency for two months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and five 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 Patterson served with the Alabama City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Gadsden community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Patterson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
William is the only officer of Alabama City Police Department remembered here.
William is one of 405 officers killed feloniously in AL, 63% of the 643 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 1912, 5 officers in AL were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 131 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 10.
In 1912, 133 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1912, 135 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 39. Of the 344 killed feloniously in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 49; the middle age was 40. William had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
William was 39. 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 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 39. 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 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 9.4% of these deaths in AL; September holds the most, 9.9%. Mondays: 13.6%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Alabama City Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun; .44 caliber, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63% of all 643 deaths in AL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .44 caliber, in 0.2% 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; .44 caliber, in 0.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .44 caliber, in 0.1% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 35-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Alabama City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.